Filip Gustavsson’s 34 save first star performance was the key for the Belleville Senators in a 2-1 win in Laval Wednesday night. (Photo: Belleville Senators/Twitter)
It’s still early in the American Hockey League season, but it’s safe to say that Filip Gustavsson’s performance on Wednesday night will be chalked up as one of the best and gutsiest goaltending efforts in 2018-19.
The Belleville Senators were outshot 35-19, including 18-0 in the third period, but still hung on for a 2-1 victory over the Laval Rocket on Halloween night.
The Senators held a 2-0 lead going into the third, but the Rocket managed to beat Gustavsson once on the aforementioned 18 shots. The hosts would get no closer however, as the Skelleftea, Sweden native thwarted the Laval attack with some timely saves, 34 in all, to preserve the win.
Belleville Senators forward Drake Batherson celebrates a goal with his teammates in a 2-1 victory over the Laval Rocket Wednesday night. (Photo: Belleville Senators)
Gustavsson talked post-game about dealing with the barrage of shots in a busy stretch of time.
Senators assistant captain Ben Sexton says it was a strange way to pick up two points.
Drake Batherson and Chase Balisy each scored their fourth goal of the year, assists went to Julius Bergman, Nick Paul, Paul Carey and Jordan Murray.
Next up for Belleville is a trip to Syracuse, N.Y. for two games on Friday and Saturday against the Crunch. Both games begin at 7 p.m., CJBQ broadcast time both nights is 6:50 p.m. for Eastern Overhead Doors and Deerhaven Farm & Garden.
