Laval Rocket open second-round playoff series against Marlies Wednesday
Posted April 28, 2026 9:59 pm.
Last Updated April 29, 2026 6:55 pm.
The Laval Rocket begin a new playoff chapter Wednesday night at Place Bell, opening their second-round Calder Cup series against the Toronto Marlies in the first-ever postseason meeting between the two clubs.
Ten days after their last game, Laval finally begins its playoff run after earning a bye to the second round by finishing first in the North Division standings. The extended break gave the group extra time to reset and fine-tune its preparation, and several players have emphasized that the team feels ready heading into Game 1.
The best-of-five series begins in Laval for the first two games before shifting to Toronto for Games 3 and 4. If necessary, Game 5 returns to Place Bell.
Marlies arrive after first-round sweep
Toronto enters the series riding momentum after defeating the Rochester Americans in the opening round.
The Marlies finished the regular season fourth in the North Division with a 36-26-10 record and 82 points, ranking 14th in goals scored and 18th in goals against.
This marks their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. Toronto remains the only team in the matchup with a Calder Cup championship, having won in 2018.
Laval posted a 3-3-2 record against Toronto during the regular season, setting the stage for a tightly contested series between familiar opponents.
In the right mindset for Game 1
Despite the layoff, Laval’s group appears confident and focused. The team has used the time off to rest, recover, and sharpen details ahead of what many expect to be a physical, tightly played series.
Prospects and rising talent
Toronto continues to lean on a mix of NHL-calibre prospects and developing players.
Easton Cowan, the 20-year-old first-round pick in 2023, is in his first professional season after spending most of the year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He recorded 29 points in 66 NHL games, with a brief AHL stint in November.
In net, Artur Akhtyamov has taken a step forward in his second North American season, posting a 21-12-4 record with the Marlies. The 24-year-old Russian goaltender also earned an AHL All-Star selection and appeared in three NHL games.
Veterans lead the way
Experience is a major strength for Toronto heading into the series.
Logan Shaw, Alex Nylander and Vinni Lettieri — who scored a hat trick in Game 1 of the first round — all bring over 100 NHL games of experience and finished among the team’s top scorers in the regular season.
On defence, Matt Benning provides stability, while Michael Pezzetta, formerly of the Canadiens and Rocket, adds another familiar face for Laval fans. Together, the group has nearly 1,200 NHL games of experience.
Quebec connections on Toronto’s roster
The Marlies also feature several Quebec-born players, including Benoît-Olivier Groulx, Toronto’s third-leading scorer, and defenceman William Villeneuve, the team’s top-scoring blueliner. Forward Cédric Paré also remains a key part of the lineup.
Rocket lineup notes and key additions
Laval will also have some notable reinforcements and lineup changes for Game 1.
Forward Vinzenz Rohrer is set to play his first professional playoff game in North America after making an immediate impact last Sunday in Toronto, where he recorded a goal and an assist while shorthanded in his debut.
The Rocket also receive a boost in experience with Samuel Blais, who was dominant during the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs with 19 points in 23 games, helping the Abbotsford Canucks capture a championship. Goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen was similarly strong in last year’s postseason, posting a 2.18 goals-against average over 18 playoff games.
On Sunday, the Montreal Canadiens assigned defenseman David Reinbacher to Laval, and he is expected to be in the lineup Wednesday night.
Pascal Vincent also confirmed that Kähkönen will get the start in goal for Game 1, while veteran forward Laurent Dauphin returns to the lineup after being sidelined since March 13 due to injury.
Playoff atmosphere building in Laval
Excitement is building ahead of puck drop at Place Bell, where the Rocket have decorated the arena with red and white playoff towels placed on every seat.
Fans will also have an early start to the action, with a Fan Jam beginning at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday outside Place Bell ahead of Game 1.
Series schedule
Game 1 – Wed., April 29, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. (TOR @ LAV)
Game 2 – Fri., May 1, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. (TOR @ LAV)
Game 3 – Sun., May 3, 2026 – 4:00 p.m. (LAV @ TOR)
Game 4 – Tue., May 5, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. (LAV @ TOR, if necessary)
Game 5 – Fri., May 8, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. (TOR @ LAV, if necessary)
The series opens with two evenly matched teams, familiar regular-season opponents, and a playoff atmosphere building in Laval as the Rocket prepare for their biggest test yet.
