MONTREAL | Connor McDavid took the stat sheet from the opposing team’s small locker room at the Bell Centre. He looked at it for two seconds and threw it back on a counter.
• Read also: Blackhawks ambassador Chris Chelios dreams of Connor Bedard
• Read also: The CH ends its weekend in style
• Read also: NHL: the most recent Quebecers to score their first goal
McDavid was not a happy man, having just been shut out for just the sixth time in 54 games. In the Oilers camp, it wasn’t just the captain who had trouble smiling.
In his first career game in Montreal, Vincent Desharnais had every reason in the world to rejoice. At 26 and playing his 12th game in the NHL, the Oilers defenseman discovered the reality of the Bell Center for the first time.
“It was a good feeling,” whispered the 6-foot-6, 215-pound colossus. I had several friends and family in the stands. But I wanted both points. »
“We weren’t ready, we have no excuses,” he continued. The Canadian was ready for this game. They blocked shots, we didn’t. They played better than us. There are no excuses. It was a 12:30 game, but we didn’t start at 12:30. »
The voice of Michel Lacroix
Recalled from the Bakersfield Condors on January 9, Desharnais earned his place on the Oilers’ blue line by participating in the last twelve games.
Despite the 6-2 loss against CH, he will keep good memories of his first time on Montreal soil.
“During the warm-up, I liked it more,” he said. My brother was there. I saw my little niece and friends. It was very cool. But when the game starts, it becomes an arena like any other. In a match like this, emotions want to take over. But I’m 26 years old, I have more experience and I learned. At 21 or 22, I wouldn’t have handled such a day the same way. I felt good about managing my emotions. However, I wanted to come here and win in front of my family. »
Desharnais did not get a point, but he still heard his name come out of the microphone of the amphitheater for his fight against Arber Xhekaj in the second period.
” It is special. Just to hear the voice of Michel Lacroix, I found it quite special, he said. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard his voice in my living room while watching a Canadiens game. I grew up with him. There were times during the game or the warm-up that gave me a smile. It was special. »
Cathedral
Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft was happy for his young defenseman.
“All Quebec players who have the opportunity to play a game in the cathedral that is the Bell Center, it’s not the Forum, but it’s still special for any young person from the province to play a game here. I’m sure he’s in heaven to not only make it to the National League, but to be a productive member of our defensive squad and play a game here in Montreal. »
A first fight
At the NHL level, Desharnais had never yet thrown down the gloves. He broke the ice against Xhekaj who quickly gained a reputation as a strongman. The defender from Laval knocked down the number 72 of the Habs at the end of the fight.
Xhekaj immediately headed for the locker room pointing to his right shoulder before talking to Graham Rynbend, the team’s therapist.
During the fight, Desharnais never felt that his rival had just been injured.
“It was happening fast. He said nothing. We fought and he fell. I immediately stopped. I saw him come out of the ice, he looked like he had pain in his shoulder or his arm. You don’t want to see this. I will never play to hurt a player. It’s just bad luck. I knew his reputation. He fought against strong men. He hit the big guys quite a bit. He is doing well. He is solid. But whether it was Xhekaj or Josh Anderson, I wanted to provide a spark and bring emotion. »