The Cleveland Monsters will face off against the Laval Rocket on February 7, 2026, at Place Bell, with puck drop scheduled for 3:00 PM MST. This Laval Rocket game preview highlights the ongoing competitive rivalry as both teams aim to gain an edge, with Laval looking to even the season series after a recent overtime defeat. The match will be broadcast on FLO Sports.
Overview of Cleveland Monsters’ Recent Performance
The Monsters fell in a tight 5-4 overtime loss to Laval in their last meeting, despite strong offensive efforts. Key contributors included James Malatesta, Guillaume Richardc, Caleb MacDonald, and Luca Pinelli, who all scored goals. Luca Del Bel Belluz and Mikael Pyyhtia each assisted on goals during that game. Ivan Fedotov was solid in net, stopping 30 shots but ultimately conceding five. Over their past five games, Cleveland has posted a 3-0-1-1 record, averaging 4.6 goals scored and allowing 3.6 goals per contest. Notably, Cleveland holds a 2-0-1-0 record against Laval this season so far.
Laval Rocket’s Current Form and Key Contributors
Laval earned a 5-4 overtime victory against Cleveland in their previous game, with Michael Del Gazio delivering the decisive overtime goal—his fifth of the season. Joshua Roy scored twice, while Florian Xhekaj and Owen Beck also added goals. Jacob Fowler made 23 saves on 27 shots to secure the win. The Rocket has performed well recently, achieving a 4-1-0-0 record in their last five games, scoring an average of 3.8 goals and conceding three. Laval’s record against Cleveland this season stands now at 1-2-0-0, and they will be eager to even the season series on Saturday afternoon.
Lineups Expected for Saturday’s Matchup
Cleveland Monsters Projected Lines:
Malatesta-Del Bel Belluz-Pyyhtia
Pinelli-Guance-Sillinger
Aston Reese-McKown-Dumais
Ahcan-Williams-Fasching
Richard-Mayo
MacDonald-Ceulemans
Butcher-Marrelli
Sawchenko
Fedotov
Laval Rocket Projected Lines:
Farrell-Dauphin-Belzile
Roy-Beck-Mesar
Blais-Condotta-Simoneau
Tuch-Xhekaj-Thorpe
Engstrom-Didier
Trudeau-Clurman
Del Gaizo-Jacobs
Jones
Fowler
Players to Watch on Both Teams
The Cleveland Monsters rely heavily on Luca Del Bel Belluz, who leads the team with 36 points, including 12 goals and 24 assists. Jack Williams provides a strong defensive presence, leading the team with a plus-nine rating, while Luca Pinelli ranks second in team scoring with 31 points from 10 goals and 21 assists.
For Laval, Laurent Dauphin stands out, leading the entire AHL with 52 points and 38 assists, and boasting a plus-23 rating. Alex Belzile leads Laval with 19 goals, while Sean Farrell contributes significantly with 12 goals and 23 assists this season.
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Matches
The Cleveland Monsters will take on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on February 14, 2026, continuing their push in the AHL season. Laval Rocket’s next game is scheduled against the Hershey Bears on February 13.
