PK Subban’s return to Montreal will have been a one-night stand, but the Canadian hopes that the passion offered by this adventure will become the norm for the rest of the season.
Good humor prevailed at training on Friday at the Bell Sports Complex, despite the snowstorm outside. All this, thanks to a nice 4-3 victory against the Nashville Predators, acquired the day before.
“It’s a change and it feels good, recognized forward Jonathan Drouin. We must not swell the head with that, but we have the right to be in a good mood, to enjoy the moment.
“And we hope this will be the start of a good streak. »
It was for the Habs only a second win in 10 games (2-7-1).
The players fed on the energy of the crowd, which had been warmed up by Subban ahead of the game.
It would be unrealistic to think that the Canadian could play his 82 games with the same passion. But that doesn’t mean players can’t try it.
“Each evening, there will be maybe four or five guys pulling the bus. When you have everyone doing it, it’s special,” said head coach Martin St-Louis. As long as the vast majority of the group tries to pull the others.
“Individually, you have to have the will to give everything. Maybe you won’t feel 100% every game, but you have to give it your all. »
The game against the Predators also marked the start of the second half of the schedule.
The players had attended a meeting on Wednesday and it seems that St. Louis’ message has been heard.
“It (St-Louis) was good to give us the freedom to play in the first half of the season, but we are now playing for the logo and the city of Montreal, said defender Arber Xhekaj. We need to get down to business and get to the next level. »
St-Louis was kind enough to come back to the first half of the season. He has repeated since the opening of the camp that his only expectation of his group is to see them learn and improve. At this level, he is happy with what he has seen in the first 41 games.
“Individually, there are several players whose development I’m happy with,” said St-Louis. Collectively there have been ups and downs, but we continue to try to improve. I can’t wait to see the next step we want to take in the second half of the season. »
Captain Nick Suzuki said the Habs strayed a bit along the way from their recipe for early-season success. He believes, however, that the team is on the right track to start winning again with a little more consistency.
The Canadian’s slip coincides with Suzuki’s drop in production, which has only four assists in its last 11 games, including three in the team’s two most recent wins.
St. Louis has repeated in recent weeks how power play failures can undermine the morale of an offensive player like Suzuki. The principal admitted that his coach’s point was relevant.
“It saps your morale, yes. Power plays are important scoring opportunities, Suzuki insisted. When the power play works well, it helps the whole team. But yeah, it’s good for confidence to be able to touch the puck a little more, make good plays and generate big goals. »
The Canadian will try to win a second game in a row for the first time since November 25. He will visit the New York Islanders on Saturday. He will next play against Rangers on Sunday.
Defenseman Mike Matheson (lower body) practiced unrestricted Friday, but St. Louis said he won’t play over the weekend. Goaltender Jake Allen (upper body) practiced with the group and St. Louis said his availability was uncertain for the two games in the Big Apple.