Analyzing their first playoff appearance in 8 seasons: THE RAPIDS WILL LOOK TO CARRY MOMENTUM INTO THE PLAYOFFS!
GRAND FALLS – As they prepare to embark on a playoff run for the first time since their arrival in Grand Falls eight seasons ago, the Rapids’ players are determined to take advantage of their current momentum to make a statement: no matter who they play, they can certainly compete against the best of the MHL.
Such a statement would have been hard to imagine at the start of the 2025-2026 campaign with a revamped team composed of many new faces both on the offensive line and with the defensive squad. However, the more the season went along, the more we could see the benefit of all the pieces that were added to the team by general manager Mathieu Martin and his executive committee who have done a remarkable job in bringing in a winning culture to the organization.
Making the playoffs was the main goal from the beginning, but winning the division was a bonus that nobody expected, at least at the holiday break when the team was just hanging on for that final playoff spot.
But thanks to a 10-game winning streak to close out the regular season and a confident squad that has been efficient during that stretch in closing out games, the Rapids are ready to face their opponents in the first round of the MetalFab MHL playoffs, the Chaleur Lightning.
The last game played between those two teams might be an indication of what to expect in a best-of-seven matchup. Fierce rivals since the very first game played this season, both squads will look to take advantage of every facet of the game. Last February 27th, Grand Falls took a 4-1 lead into the second period on home ice before Chaleur applied the physical part of their game, frustrating the Rapids players who spent most of the middle frame in the penalty box. The Lightning took advantage of the situation by scoring four unanswered goals to take a 5-4 lead. The Rapids regrouped in the third, scoring both the tying and winning goals early in the period, and were able to shut down their opponents the rest of the way for a close 6-5 victory.
Of course, discipline will be a key factor in this series.
“Like any playoff series, teams need to be disciplined in terms of not only staying away from needless penalties, but also in terms of shift length, playing the right way and resting properly”, mentions head coach Greg Leland.
“It is usually the little details of the game that are determining factors as opposed to a fancy goal or an end to end rush”.
Greg Leland also mentions the importance of getting some solid goaltending. This series will oppose two veteran netminders who have made their mark in the MHL: Adam Lecours and Jack Flanagan.
One of the turning points to the Rapids’ success lately has been the involvement of the defensemen in team scoring. For example, four of the six goals scored by Grand Falls last weekend came from defensemen who joined in the rush. Carrying the play out of their own end while transitioning quickly back to their defensive responsibilities should remain a trend for the Rapids in the playoffs. However, Greg Leland remains cautious.
“We are ok with our defensemen joining the attack and contributing offensively since we have encouraged it all season. But we remind our players that they need to understand when to go as well as the idea that they defend first. Offense should come in second”.
The Rapids have won six out of the eight games played between both teams this season, but playoff hockey is a much different game. What is important to note is that 7 out of those 8 matchups were decided by two goals or less. It will be a grind and whoever comes out on top will be the team with the most determination, the most disciplined and the one who can look after details such as penalty killing, power play opportunities, blocked shots and important faceoff wins.
It should be a great series!
SERIES SCHEDULE:
Friday March 13: Chaleur vs Rapids (7:00 pm)
Sunday March 15: Rapids vs Chaleur (4:00 pm)
Wednesday March 18: Chaleur vs Rapids (7:30 pm)
Friday March 20: Rapids vs Chaleur (7:00 pm)
*Sunday March 22: Chaleur vs Rapids (7:30 pm)
*Wednesday March 25: Rapids vs Chaleur (7:00 pm)
*Friday March 27: Chaleur vs Rapids (7:30 pm)
*Indicates if necessary
KEY STATS:
*Regular season matchup between the Lightning and the Rapids:
September 28: CHA 4 GFR 7
October 24: GFR 5 CHA 3
November 2: CHA 6 GFR 5
December 20: CHA 3 GFR 5
January 16: GFR 3 CHA 4 *in overtime
January 24: GFR 6 CHA 4
February 7: GFR 4 CHA 2
February 27: CHA 5 GFR 6
*Both the Rapids and the Ligthning compare well in shots on goal during the 8 games they faced each other this season: Chaleur 283 shots, compared to 242 shots for the Rapids.
*Grand Falls scored 12 power play goals in 38 opportunities while Chaleur scored 8 power play goals against the Rapids in 40 PP chances.
*Both teams were assessed their fair share of penalty minutes during their eight matchups: Grand Falls 199 minutes compared to 173 minutes for Chaleur.
*The Rapids won three of four games played against Chaleur at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre this season. Chaleur has a record of 1 win and 3 losses on its home ice.
Patrick Thibault
TEAM AWARDS BANQUET
Rapids’ players were recently rewarded for their accomplishments at the annual team banquet. Awards for the 2025-2026 season are as follows :
Best forward : Jonah Leard
Community leader : Jonah Leard
Three stars Michaud-Harnois : Adam Lecours
Reggie-Guay persévérance award : Adam Lecours
Rookie of the year : Oliver Plante
Fans choice : Brody Paré
Best defenseman : Anton Topilnyckj
Most underestimated player : Patrick Baxter
Player with the most progression : Declan Kennedy
Student athlete award : Isaac Allard
Most Valuable Player : Loïc Francoeur
Leading scorer : Coen Miller