The Utica Comets will host the Laval Rocket on February 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST at the Adirondack Bank Center. This contest marks a significant moment in the season as the Comets aim to improve their standing against a strong Rocket team. The game will be broadcast on FLO Sports, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.
Recent Performance of Laval Rocket
Following their recent 2-1 shootout victory over Utica, the Laval Rocket hold a record of 33-14-2-3 with 71 points this season. Kaapo Kahkonen was pivotal in the win, stopping 16 of 17 shots in regulation and shutting down all three shootout attempts. William Trudeau netted the only regulation goal, while Samuel Blais scored the decisive shootout goal. Over their last five games, Laval has gone 4-0-0-1, averaging 3.6 goals per game and conceding just two. Their success continues in matchups versus Utica, improving to 4-1-0-0.
Utica Comets’ Recent Results and Challenges
The Comets recorded a single point in the 2-1 overtime loss to Laval, standing at 15-24-5-4 with 39 points this season. Calen Addison scored Utica’s sole goal in that game, while Jakub Malek posted a strong performance with 20 saves on 21 shots. In the past five outings, Utica’s record is 2-2-1-0, scoring 2.4 goals per game and allowing 2.6. Against Laval this season, the Comets have struggled with a 1-2-1-1 record.
Projected Lineups for Both Teams
Laval Rocket: Farrell-Dauphin-Belzile, Roy-Beck-Mesar, Blais-Condotta-Davidson, Tuch-Xhexaj-Thorpe; Defense pairs include Del Gaizo-Engstrom, Trudeau-Reinbacher, Bisson-Clurman, with Jones and Kahkonen in goal.
Utica Comets: Crookshank-Melovsky-Halonen, Hardman-Criscuolo-Parent, LaChance-Schmelzer-Malone, Gruden-McLaughlin-Squires; Defense pairs consist of Vilen-Addison, Osipov-Diotte, Edwards-Strand, with Daws and Malek as goaltenders.
Key Players to Monitor
Laurent Dauphin leads the AHL with 55 points and 40 assists, while holding a team-best +26 plus/minus rating for Laval. Alex Belzile contributes 23 goals, the highest on the Rocket.
For Utica, Brian Halonen leads in points (23) and goals (15), with Seamus Casey topping assists at 18. Dmitry Osipov stands out with a +8 plus/minus rating this season.
Upcoming Schedules for Both Teams
The Rocket will face the Toronto Marlies on February 25, while the Comets travel to play the Hershey Bears on the same day, continuing their respective campaigns following this encounter.
Recent Reflections from Laval Rocket’s Goaltender
“Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 16 of 17 and stopped all three shootout attempts in the win for the Rocket.” ?William Trudeau, Rocket Player
“We showed solid defensive play, allowing just two goals over the past five games, which has been key to our success.” ?Kaapo Kahkonen, Rocket Goaltender
