After a shutout loss in Game 4 on home ice in Laval, the Rocket faced a true do-or-die situation in Syracuse for Game 5. They had to handle the crucial game without the services of Nate Schnarr, who was initial a game-time decision, and deemed unable to make the starting lineup.
With Schnarr out, J.-F. Houle opted for an 11-forward, seven-defenceman alignment once more. Peter Abbandonato drew in as the third-line centre, while Kevin Roy replaced Devante Smith-Pelly on the makeshift fourth long alongside Joël Teasdale. For the Crunch it was surprisingly Maxime Lagace getting the start in net, despite suffering what looked like a serious injury in the previous game.