LAVAL — Expectations were low for Florian Xhekaj in his first season in the American Hockey League, but the young forward is slowly proving why Nick Bobrov called him a “unicorn.”
Xhekaj broke the deadlock in the third period Friday night, and the Laval Rocket went on to beat the Hartford Wolf Pack 3-1 at Place Bell.
The stats aren’t necessarily eye-popping — nine goals and 13 points in 38 games — but it would be a big mistake to think that the 6-foot-4, 195-pound Xhekaj doesn’t have a huge impact on the ice.
Head coach Pascal Vincent has noticed this since the start of the season and, with Joshua Roy and Xavier Simoneau currently injured, he seems keen to use the rugged 20-year-old in more key situations.
On Friday, Xhekaj played brilliantly on the penalty-kill, and it’s possible he’ll earn even more ice time.
“His progression is interesting. He’s already played short-handed at times, and I’ll have my eye on him for the power play eventually,” Vincent said. “He has good skills and a good shot. He’s not afraid to go to the net. His progression is on the rise. It’s one thing to understand the information we pass on to him, but to apply it at a high rate like he does, that’s fascinating.”
Eight of Xhekaj’s nine goals this season have come in the third period, and he has netted three game-winners so far.
Against the Wolf Pack (18-21-4), it was precisely his desire to get into the slot that made the difference, as he was able to pounce on a rebound off a Zack Hayes shot.
“I just want to play my style of game. I want to move my feet, complete my checks, and I think I did that well tonight,” Xhekaj said. “I want to help my team in any way I can. When I’m short-handed, I just apply what (assistant coach) Daniel Jacob asks of me, and I think it’s paying off.”
In recent weeks, the Rocket’s (27-11-3) ability to erase multi-goal deficits in a game has contributed to the team’s success. What was also noticeable on Friday was the disciplined style of play with a slim one-goal lead.
“The way we play collectively, in games where we were trailing or had a lead, we’re able to adjust to what’s in front of us. It’s interesting and fun to see, especially with our young team,” Vincent explained.
The Canadiens’ AHL affiliate didn’t play a perfect game, but did enough to record a fourth straight victory and stay atop of the AHL’s Northern Division.
Owen Beck, another rookie, opened the scoring for Laval. Laurent Dauphin notched his 14th goal of the season into an empty net.
Cayden Primeau made his presence felt in the third period, after a relatively quiet night in the first two periods. His 30 saves kept him unbeaten in eight games since being demoted to the AHL (8-0-0).
“It feels good to win back-to-back starts like that, but I think it’s a testament to the way the team is playing up front,” Primeau said.
Former Rocket Alex Belzile tied the game for the Wolf Pack, who suffered a fifth straight loss. Louis Domingue turned aside 22 of the 24 pucks he faced.
The two rivals will play again Saturday afternoon at Place Bell.