The talk surrounding the Laval Rocket before their Eastern Conference Final against the Charlotte Checkers was that they were setting their sights on results over development. It seemed like the most critical domino to fall in that movement was starting Cayden Primeau over Jacob Fowler. However, that strategy could be in jeopardy after the performance Primeau had in Game 1.
The Rocket lost the opening game 5-1 to the Checkers. Five goals allowed isn't the prettiest stat line for Primeau, and it's even worse when you realize it came on only 19 shots. It's a delicate situation for the Rocket, as one more performance like that one could put them in a difficult two-game hole.
It could be one of the most challenging decisions of the season for Pascal Vincent. On one hand, he has a veteran like Primeau who could bounce back with a couple of solid performances to get the team back in the hunt for the Calder Cup. On the other, he has a young goaltender itching to prove he should be the starter.
The Rocket quickly pulled the plug on Fowler when he struggled in Game 4 of the last round. Primeau started in Game 5 and recorded a shutout, which it looked like earned him the starting role for the foreseeable future. After his abysmal performance in Game 1, that future might be shorter than anyone would've imagined.
Oliver Kapanen scored the only goal in the 5-1 loss, with Josh Roy and Sean Farrell earning the assists. The Rocket must have their young stars continue to step up if they want to finish the job and win four games in this East Final, but that isn't their biggest concern.
Vincent will mull over the goaltending decision leading up to Game 2, but the easiest avenue for him to use would be to continue the "rotation" and start Fowler. If it works out, he could possibly give Fowler the reins, but if he doesn't put forth a great performance, the mental reset would help Primeau for Game 3.