Laval Rocket punches its ticket to next round of AHL playoffs
With the retirement of David Savard, the Canadiens will have at least one opening on defence next season. And Logan Mailloux is playing like a guy determined to take his best run at the opening.
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Say what you will about Mailloux's alleged defensive shortcomings. The former first-round (31st overall) Canadiens draft choice in 2021 is wonderfully gifted offensively and would be an excellent complement to rookie Lane Hutson, a finalist for this season's Calder Trophy.
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Mailloux scored a power play goal and added an assist while producing four shots on net, as the Laval Rocket eliminated the Cleveland Monsters with a 4-1 victory Tuesday night at Place Bell. The Rocket, which finished first overall in the AHL and had an opening-round bye, captured the best-of-five series 3-1.
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The 22-year-old Mailloux is living in the moment and will have no part of hypothetical scenarios. He has said he believes he's ready for full-time NHL employment and played seven games for Montreal this season, scoring two goals and four points. But he also was a minus-5, a number that won't translate well in the big leagues over a full season.
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'I'm trying to win hockey games,' Mailloux said. 'I'm hoping to win a Calder Cup before anything. That's what my focus is on. It's do-or-die time. Everybody has to elevate their game and do what they can to help the team win. I'm just trying to do my part. I'm just trying to play my game at both ends of the ice.'
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The 6-foot-3, 212-pound Mailloux has worked hard on improving his defensive responsibilities under first-year Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent. Mailloux was plus-5 in 63 games this season, while scoring 12 goals and 33 points. While he produced more offensively last season with Laval — scoring 14 goals and 47 points in 72 games — he also went minus-8.
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'I think he's playing his best hockey that I've seen so far,' Vincent said. 'Consistency-wise, routes on the ice, killing plays, decisions with the puck. What he does on special teams, I think he has been playing his best hockey. And he's a big piece of our success right now.'
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Laurent Dauphin paced the Rocket with a pair of goals, both on the power play, as Laval went three-for-six with the man advantage. In Sunday's 3-1 loss on home ice, Laval failed to capitalize on four manpower advantages while also allowing a shorthanded goal. The Rocket took a commanding 3-0 lead following the first period, with Xavier Simoneau opening the scoring only 4:22 into the contest.
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Luca Del Bel Belluz scored Cleveland's only goal, late in the second period, narrowing the deficit to 3-1 and providing the Monsters with some hope.
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Vancouver Sun
20 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Canucks: Kevin Dean brings big defensive book of work as new assistant coach
Kevin Dean knows about happiness and heartache. The former NHL defenceman, who also served an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins for the last eight seasons, is expected to join new Vancouver Canucks head coach Adam Foote behind the bench. His book of work suggests he is up for the challenge because the chapters span the sports spectrum of ecstasy and agony. Dean won two titles in 1995 as a big stay-at-home blueliner. The fifth-round selection of the New Jersey in the 1987 NHL Draft got his name on the Stanley Cup with the Devils, and also won a Calder Cup that season with the AHL affiliate Albany River Rats. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. New Jersey had Jacques Lemaire — the lover of low-event hockey — as head coach and Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Larry Robinson as one of his assistants. Aside from that tutelage, Dean also played on the back end with veteran hard-rock Scott Stevens and emerging young star Scott Niedermayer. Quite the master class of instruction. Dean also suited up for the lowly Atlanta Thrashers in 23 forgetful games in 1999-2000 before moving on to the Dallas Stars. The Thrashers finished a league-worst 14-57-7-4 and were last in goals for, against and face-offs. Their leading goal scorers were Andrew Brunette (23) and Ray Ferraro (19). Dean would log 331 regular-season games with four teams and had 55 points (7-48) and 138 penalty minutes, the mark of a guy who took care of his own end. He retired as a player due to a heart condition and applied his knowledge as a coach in the AHL and ECHL before transitioning to the NHL. The Madison, Wisc. native had five seasons as an assistant with the Boston Bruins and then three with the Chicago Blackhawks. His latest run ended this season. Dean was also an assistant for Team USA at the world championship in May, where the Americans ended a 92-year title drought. I know we are in the midst of coach talk. But don't let it distract you from this wholesome picture of Alex Vlasic, Frank Nazar, and Kevin Dean🇺🇸 📸 via Instagram/ @ usahockey #Blackhawks In Boston, Dean became a close confidant of head coach Bruce Cassidy and had control of a back end when he arrived for the 2017-18 season. It featured top prospects in Charlie McAvoy, 19, Brandon Carlo, 20, and Matt Grzelecyk, 23. They were thrown into deep end of the competitive pool, logged 63, 76, and 61 games respectively, and were better for the experience. 'Dino (Dean) has done a really good job of showing me videos of situations where I can shoot — where I can go down the wall or get to the middle,' Carlo told the Boston Globe. 'So I feel that's been a lot of good help from him.' The Canucks will have Elias Pettersson , 21, Victor Mancini, 23, as part of their defensive mix next season and prospect Tom Willander, 20, could also see NHL games along with Kirill Kudryavtsev, 21. That plays right into Dean's development hand. In the neutral zone, Cassidy and Dean had players keep tight gaps. Blueliners were then taught pursue at an angle to force puck carriers to the outside instead a higher percentage of advancement through middle. Dean also instructed his blueliners to play within the face-offs dots in the defensive zone. 'That's where most of the action happens,' Dean reasoned. 'That's where most of the breakdowns happen. That's where most of the plays are made. Stay inside the dots, make your plays, and try not to get pasted on the wall.' The purpose was to gap up, negate the rush and then retrieve the puck. In Dean's second season with Chicago in 2023-24, he had rookie blueliners Kevin Korchinski, 19, and towering Alex Vlasic, 22, play 76 games apiece to fast forward their careers. bkuzma@
The Province
20 hours ago
- The Province
Canucks: Kevin Dean brings big defensive book of work as new assistant coach
His book of work suggests he is up for the challenge because the chapters span the sports spectrum of ecstasy and agony. Get the latest from Ben Kuzma straight to your inbox Kevin Dean, at a game against the Calgary Flames in 2024. Photo by Larry MacDougal / The Canadian Press Images Kevin Dean knows about happiness and heartache. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The former NHL defenceman, who also served an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins for the last eight seasons, is expected to join new Vancouver Canucks head coach Adam Foote behind the bench. His book of work suggests he is up for the challenge because the chapters span the sports spectrum of ecstasy and agony. Dean won two titles in 1995 as a big stay-at-home blueliner. The fifth-round selection of the New Jersey in the 1987 NHL Draft got his name on the Stanley Cup with the Devils, and also won a Calder Cup that season with the AHL affiliate Albany River Rats. New Jersey had Jacques Lemaire — the lover of low-event hockey — as head coach and Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Larry Robinson as one of his assistants. Aside from that tutelage, Dean also played on the back end with veteran hard-rock Scott Stevens and emerging young star Scott Niedermayer. Quite the master class of instruction. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Chicago Blackhawks interim head coach Anders Sorensen, left, listens to assistant Kevin Dean during game against the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 7, 2024 at the United Center. Photo by Charles Rex Arbogast / AP Dean also suited up for the lowly Atlanta Thrashers in 23 forgetful games in 1999-2000 before moving on to the Dallas Stars. The Thrashers finished a league-worst 14-57-7-4 and were last in goals for, against and face-offs. Their leading goal scorers were Andrew Brunette (23) and Ray Ferraro (19). Dean would log 331 regular-season games with four teams and had 55 points (7-48) and 138 penalty minutes, the mark of a guy who took care of his own end. He retired as a player due to a heart condition and applied his knowledge as a coach in the AHL and ECHL before transitioning to the NHL. The Madison, Wisc. native had five seasons as an assistant with the Boston Bruins and then three with the Chicago Blackhawks. His latest run ended this season. Dean was also an assistant for Team USA at the world championship in May, where the Americans ended a 92-year title drought. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. I know we are in the midst of coach don't let it distract you from this wholesome picture of Alex Vlasic, Frank Nazar, and Kevin Dean🇺🇸 📸 via Instagram/ @ usahockey#Blackhawks — Brooke (@brooke_lofo) May 16, 2025 In Boston, Dean became a close confidant of head coach Bruce Cassidy and had control of a back end when he arrived for the 2017-18 season. It featured top prospects in Charlie McAvoy, 19, Brandon Carlo, 20, and Matt Grzelecyk, 23. They were thrown into deep end of the competitive pool, logged 63, 76, and 61 games respectively, and were better for the experience. 'Dino (Dean) has done a really good job of showing me videos of situations where I can shoot — where I can go down the wall or get to the middle,' Carlo told the Boston Globe. 'So I feel that's been a lot of good help from him.' The Canucks will have Elias Pettersson, 21, Victor Mancini, 23, as part of their defensive mix next season and prospect Tom Willander, 20, could also see NHL games along with Kirill Kudryavtsev, 21. That plays right into Dean's development hand. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Leafs defenceman Danny Markov drills Kevin Dean during 3rd period against the Black Hawks in 2000. Mark O'Neill, Toronto Sun In the neutral zone, Cassidy and Dean had players keep tight gaps. Blueliners were then taught pursue at an angle to force puck carriers to the outside instead a higher percentage of advancement through middle. Dean also instructed his blueliners to play within the face-offs dots in the defensive zone. 'That's where most of the action happens,' Dean reasoned. 'That's where most of the breakdowns happen. That's where most of the plays are made. Stay inside the dots, make your plays, and try not to get pasted on the wall.' The purpose was to gap up, negate the rush and then retrieve the puck. In Dean's second season with Chicago in 2023-24, he had rookie blueliners Kevin Korchinski, 19, and towering Alex Vlasic, 22, play 76 games apiece to fast forward their careers. bkuzma@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Crime News
Edmonton Journal
20 hours ago
- Edmonton Journal
Canucks: Kevin Dean brings big defensive book of work as new assistant coach
Article content Dean won two titles in 1995 as a big stay-at-home blueliner. The fifth-round selection of the New Jersey in the 1987 NHL Draft got his name on the Stanley Cup with the Devils, and also won a Calder Cup that season with the AHL affiliate Albany River Rats. New Jersey had Jacques Lemaire — the lover of low-event hockey — as head coach and Hockey Hall of Fame defenceman Larry Robinson as one of his assistants. Aside from that tutelage, Dean also played on the back end with veteran hard-rock Scott Stevens and emerging young star Scott Niedermayer. Quite the master class of instruction. Dean also suited up for the lowly Atlanta Thrashers in 23 forgetful games in 1999-2000 before moving on to the Dallas Stars. The Thrashers finished a league-worst 14-57-7-4 and were last in goals for, against and face-offs. Their leading goal scorers were Andrew Brunette (23) and Ray Ferraro (19). Dean would log 331 regular-season games with four teams and had 55 points (7-48) and 138 penalty minutes, the mark of a guy who took care of his own end. He retired as a player due to a heart condition and applied his knowledge as a coach in the AHL and ECHL before transitioning to the NHL. The Madison, Wisc. native had five seasons as an assistant with the Boston Bruins and then three with the Chicago Blackhawks. His latest run ended this season. Dean was also an assistant for Team USA at the world championship in May, where the Americans ended a 92-year title drought.
