Lindgren, Alexandrov Lead T-Birds Past Rocket, 5-2

LAVAL, QC – The Springfield Thunderbirds (30-16-5-2) received a fantastic performance from their veteran goaltender in a 5-2 victory over the Laval Rocket (25-19-3-0) on Monday night at Place Bell.

The night was highlighted by a battle of veteran goaltenders enjoying fine seasons for their respective clubs as former Rocket Charlie Lindgren squared off against Kevin Poulin. 

"Chuckie Sideburns" had to be at his best early, as the Rocket had the early jump offensively, but the veteran right-hander was one better than his old team, standing tall against a pair of redirection attempts, plus a pair of breakaway denials on Shawn St. Amant and Cam Hillis.

Poulin matched Lindgren save-for-save through the first 13 minutes, and then the Laval power play gave their 31-year-old goalie the first lead of the night. Just seconds after a 5-on-3 power play concluded, Rocket captain Xavier Ouellet moved to the top of the right circle and let a wrist shot fly that beat Lindgren upstairs at 13:45 to make it 1-0 for the home team.

Just 2:56 later, though, the T-Birds equalized as James Neal picked up a puck in the right circle and fired a snap shot that tipped off a stick and found its way under Poulin's pads to tie the game, 1-1. The goal was credited to Nathan Todd, who got his first tally since his return from injury. 

Springfield came out with a purpose to begin the second period, and less than five minutes in, they had their first lead of the night as Todd found Hugh McGing at the right post, where the pesky McGing curled the puck to his forehand and, while falling, tucked it in behind Poulin's right pad to give the T-Birds the 2-1 lead at 4:45.

The Thunderbirds added to the lead past the midpoint of regulation as Nathan Walker stopped in across the line and opened up a passing lane from the left circle to the right circle, and Nikita Alexandrov ripped a one-time bid through Poulin at 10:32 to make it 3-1.

Former T-Bird Danick Martel got the Rocket back within one in short order as he moved in on a 2-on-1 on the left-wing side and fielded his own rebound off of Lindgren's chest protector to slide home the loose change just 17 seconds after the goal by Alexandrov, cutting the Springfield lead to 3-2.

However, Alexandrov would get the last laugh in the final minute of the period. Off a faceoff win, Tommy Cross moved up to a loose puck near the left point and fired a wrist shot to the edge of the crease. Alexandrov positioned himself with stick-on-ice and deftly tipped the shot through Poulin's five-hole to provide the insurance margin and a 4-2 second intermission lead.

The third period would prove to be a clinic in the crease from Lindgren, who had to deal with 13 Rocket shots in the final period, many of which came from high-danger areas. The former Montreal prospect had every answer to get another win against a former team of his with a 31-save night. 

Fellow ex-Rocket player Matthew Peca added an empty netter to extend his career-high with his 18th of the season to round out the scoring in the 5-2 win.

Springfield has now earned points in four straight road games and will look to extend that streak on Friday when they visit the Charlotte Checkers for a two-game weekend set. 

For more information on the Springfield Thunderbirds and to learn more about becoming a 2022-23 ticket member, please visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com or call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) to speak to a Thunderbirds representative.