BUFFALO | Whether it’s the Stanley Cup final or simply the fifth game of the season, David Savard only knows one way to play. We had another example of his dedication on Monday night, in the third period of the game against the Sabres.
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On the same sequence, while the Habs were short a man, the defender blocked two one-timers from Tage Thompson in quick succession. The first caused so much pain in his left hand that he lost his stick, while the second completely exploded the blade of his right skate. Faced with his teammates’ inability to clear the puck, he did everything possible to stay involved in the game.
“Savvy is ready to do anything to help the team,” praised Martin St-Louis at the end of this 3-1 victory.
At this time, the Habs were trying to maintain a slim priority of one goal. However, his mishap made his teammates laugh.
“It was difficult not to laugh at the situation he was in,” said St-Louis, still full of admiration. He blocked a big throw, got hurt, blocked another, lost his blade. Still, he wanted to try to block the next one, to do what he could. »
Savard was eventually able to leave the ice after which he immediately headed to the locker room. Since he could not be made available to the media after the meeting, we guess that his hand must have been in bad shape.
“He’s getting evaluated. I have no idea,” said the Canadian coach.
A tough guy
In this victory, Jake Allen blocked 36 shots. Which did not prevent him from highlighting the work of Savard, possibly his main accomplice, whose evening of work ended after five blocked shots.
“It’s hard to put into words everything he does for the team. Whether on the ice or outside. He always puts the team first. We saw it clearly in this sequence. I hope it will be correct. When you see this kind of sacrifice, it forces everyone to give a little more. »
“I can only congratulate him for staying close, on one skate, trying to keep his balance and get the job done,” continued the goalie.
In the front row to witness the event, Jake Evans tried to help his teammate by giving him his stick.
“All I wanted to do was block a shot for him. I knew he was in pain. He’s probably the toughest guy on our team, Evans said. It sends the message that we must be prepared to do everything we can. »
Allen and Savard are not the only two veterans to have led the way for the Canadian. Brendan Gallagher, with a goal and an assist, and Tanner Pearson with already a third goal this season also contributed to this victory.