If the management of the Canadian always publicly emphasizes learning, the players of the Montreal club obviously have another objective.
During a press scrum after his team’s 5-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday night, goaltender Jake Allen said that “points are crucial and every game is important.” For his part, Sean Monahan affirmed that there is “no excuse”.
“We have to become a team that expects to win every night,” added the veteran forward.
The players admitted in turn that the level of emotion against the Canucks had been lower than the day before, when the Habs managed to defeat the Boston Bruins 3-2 in overtime. Despite everything, this could not serve as an excuse for the group.
“It’s certain that the best night for a player here is Saturday, especially when we face an old rival like the Bruins,” admitted Allen.
“But we must succeed in showing more consistency,” he added. We played two good games after a difficult four-game stretch. It could have been better tonight, but at least there are positives. »
One of the positive elements of the game against the Canucks was the play of Juraj Slafkovsky. The 19-year-old Slovakian fired six shots on goal, a career high in the NHL. He was also stationed in front of the net when Christian Dvorak surprised goaltender Casey DeSmith in the second period, but this goal was canceled because it had been offside earlier in the sequence.
Slafkovsky still only has one goal and one assist on the clock after 15 games, but he continues to show signs of progress in his game.
“He was incredible,” insisted defender Mike Matheson. I really liked it. He was all over the ice. He used his body well. He is so fast and strong on his skates. »
Always the first to emphasize the process and not the results, coach Martin St-Louis also praised Slafkovsky’s performance.
St-Louis also reiterated the importance of keeping things light with him, even when it might be easy for the young forward to become discouraged. And the same thing applies to Josh Anderson, who has only two assists in his team’s first 15 games.
“A little humor helps!” We do serious work, but we don’t have to take ourselves too seriously,” St-Louis said.
“Life can be difficult sometimes. You can do everything well, but you will never have a guarantee that you will win,” he added.
Anderson, who has had numerous breakaways without scoring this season, leads the NHL in penalties caused with 14.
“They’re hungry for success and they continue to have a good attitude,” St-Louis said of Slafkovsky and Anderson.
The Canadian took advantage of a day off on Monday. He will take charge again on Tuesday, when the Calgary Flames are the visitors.