The Canadian should get some fresh strength in his two games on the afternoon of Super Bowl weekend.
Everything indicates that Alex Newhook will make a return to the Montreal team on Saturday, when the Habs host the Dallas Stars. The Canadian will then host the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.
Newhook has missed 27 games since suffering a sprained ankle Nov. 30 against the Florida Panthers.
“I worked hard in rehabilitation and I feel good,” said the Newfoundland and Labrador native. I now hope to be part of the training. I want to be reunited with my teammates and feel like a member of the team. »
At the time of the fight, Newhook had amassed four goals and two assists in his previous six games. He totaled seven goals and six assists in 23 games in his first campaign with the Canadian.
“Yes, it’s frustrating, but you have to put your emotions aside,” he said. You realize that injuries happen to everyone. I reviewed the images of the game where I was injured quite often in my head, especially during the first few days. I then had to focus on my rehabilitation and they did a good job with me. »
Newhook, who could find himself at center for Rafael Harvey-Pinard and Joel Armia, wasted no time while on the sidelines. The former Colorado Avalanche first-round pick noted he did several video sessions.
“You want to keep things fresh in your mind,” he said. When you’re not skating, you have to work on other things. I also watched the matches and I could see things from another perspective. »
Used both at center and on the wing before getting injured, Newhook will find himself at center for the moment, notably due to the departure of Sean Monahan. He is aware that this is a great opportunity to prove that he can play this position in the NHL.
“Another player must take over, as we have been doing since the start of the season. I am happy to have the chance to get a share of the responsibilities that he had,” he said.
Newhook was notably placed on the first power play unit during Friday’s training. He was in the position in the heart of the enclave, the position where Monahan was deployed before his departure.
Otherwise, head coach Martin St-Louis recalled that even-strength positions are fluid in modern hockey.
“Apart from starting the action in the center… Afterwards, the game is dynamic and it is rare that the left winger will stay on the left and that the center will stay in the center. I’m not worried about that,” he insisted.
A good opposition
The Stars arrived in Montreal after seeing their winning streak cut to four by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. They share first place in the Central Division with the Colorado Avalanche.
During the last match between the Canadian and the Stars, on January 2, the Habs built a 4-1 lead before seeing their rivals score twice at the end of the game, after replacing their goalkeeper with an additional attacker.
“We saw their speed and the strength of their attack at the end. They applied a lot of pressure and scored a few goals, noted defenseman Mike Matheson. They are a good team and we will be ready to face them. »
For his part, the Canadian has collected at least one point in each of his last three games (2-0-1). Goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault will defend the Montreal club’s net.
Evans skips his turn
Forward Jake Evans did not participate in the Canadian’s training on Friday, instead taking advantage of a day of treatment.
Evans was at his post on Thursday, when the Habs were back at work after a day off.
The 27-year-old Ontarian has participated in each of the Canadiens’ 50 games so far this season. He had two goals and 12 assists.