Flip-flops, jerseys and cowboy hats. This is what most of the Canadiens players packed in their suitcase in anticipation of the trip that will take them to Florida, Nashville and Carolina. Others may also be planning to add a winter hat or coat to their travel essentials. In case.
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Due to these four successive games away from the Bell Centre, the Canadian will not return to Montreal before March 8, the deadline for transactions in the Bettman circuit. Some of them could therefore very well change their address along the way.
Photo Martin Chevalier
It is better to bring warm clothes. A flight to Edmonton or Winnipeg arrived so quickly. All joking aside, the approach of this fateful day is always a source of stress for athletes. Especially the youngest, who are not used to the sudden change of air.
“I’ve been in the league for eight years, so I’m used to it,” said Mike Matheson. Of course there is the human aspect where guys we really like may leave. You never know. There is the family aspect too. That’s more difficult.”
Matheson has experienced two transactions during his career. Two swaps occurred during the off-season. Let’s just say that it gives more time to prepare everyone for departure than a transaction on the fly in the middle of a trip.
We can wonder if everyone will have 100% confidence in the upcoming clashes.
“It’s a time of year that’s not pleasant for anyone, but you have to continue to prepare for your matches,” said Martin St-Louis. Being on the road makes you forget that a little. There are fewer downtimes. You are more engaged with your team, so it helps morale.”
Matheson wants to stay
Jake Allen, David Savard, Tanner Pearson, Joel Armia are the quartet that comes up most often in discussions. To a lesser extent, we can add Matheson to this list.
You would think that a veteran of his caliber, who is having the most productive season of his career, would want to join a team that has a chance of winning major honors. But, like Savard, who spoke on the subject a few days ago, this is not the case.
“I’m happy here and I would like to continue being here to help the team reach another level,” said the 30-year-old defender.
This kind of talk is music to the ears of the Canadiens head coach.
“It’s a good sign when guys want to continue playing here,” he said.
“I think they are aware of what we are building and the environment in which we are doing it,” he continued. The guys know they’re in a place where they can continue to improve. They know how we do things, how we play. They are encouraged by that.”
Like the Amen Corner
Now that that is said, it will be interesting to see what state the morale of the troops will be in when they return from this journey which does not promise to be easy. Against these four teams, the Habs have only won two of their last 36 matches.
“It’s like the Amen Corner,” illustrated St-Louis in reference to the 11e12e and 13e holes of the Augusta National Golf Club, renowned for being the often decisive portion of the famous Masters.
“You have to present your best game. You have to be precise, committed, manage the risks you take.”
No, we don’t pay much for the Canadian’s skin. But as the old-timers would say: “Hockey is played on the ice.”
“It doesn’t help to think we’re unlucky,” Matheson said. The process is also learning that you can beat every team. It’s time to take this step and approach each one knowing that we are going to win.”
That’s a good attitude.