The Canadiens’ assistant coach, Alex Burrows, believes that the new philosophy within the team following the changes in the general staff and behind the bench is at the heart of the Montreal team’s recent successes.
Burrows and the other deputies have survived the sprucing up over the past few months. Luke Richardson, Éric Raymond, Trevor Letowski and Burrows experienced the transition between the departure of Dominique Ducharme and the arrival of Martin St-Louis as head coach on February 9.
“I think the biggest change is the philosophy of the team,” Burrows said at a press conference on Tuesday, the day before a duel between the Canadiens and the Vancouver Canucks. There is continuity within the new regime, from Jeff [Gorton, le vice-président aux opérations hockey]in Kent [Hughes, le directeur général], and now with Martin, the philosophy is complete. »
“Players are having a lot of fun playing in the new system, or concept,” he added.
Burrows also pointed out that the players had a lot of respect for St. Louis, who had a great NHL career. That probably made up for St. Louis’ lack of coaching experience.
“I can understand the outside perception of him going from the Bantam to the NHL. It feels a little weird, admitted Burrows. But Martin has faced a lot of adversity during his career. When he comes into the locker room to talk, he has a presence. Even the younger players have all seen him play, and he is the idol of some players. So they accept his message. »
Although he admits that it was difficult to see Ducharme leave, Burrows quickly developed a bond with St-Louis. After all, the two have gone through similar journeys during their playing careers. “Both of us didn’t get drafted and had to go the gravel road to the NHL,” recalled Burrows, who played 913 NHL games. Martin, he still had a bigger career than me. He’s a Hall of Famer, he’s been in the Olympics, he’s been in the NHL’s top flight, and he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win a Stanley Cup. Me, I’m missing a cup on my list. »
Burrows said he didn’t know St. Louis personally until he joined the Habs last month. And while many have criticized the fact that the Canadiens’ recent hires have all been part of the same clique, Burrows isn’t afraid to voice his opinions even though he’s part of the old group.
The native of Pincourt indicated that it was Joël Bouchard, whom he rubbed shoulders with at the Laval Rocket, who encouraged him to always challenge his head coach. “I don’t cut corners,” insisted Burrows. We have a great bond, and there’s nothing that’s going to hold me back if I see something. Joel told me that he wanted me to challenge, that I ask the difficult questions. I do the same with Martin, even though he’s not an old friend. We both want the success of the players and the Canadiens. »
A “real” reunion
Burrows played more than 11 NHL seasons in a Canucks uniform. His name is also found in the ring of honor of the team at Rogers Arena.
He had his first return to Vancouver in his new role last spring, but it was in front of empty stands due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, he will be entitled to a real reunion with his former supporters.
Since the arrival of the Canadian in Vancouver on Sunday, Burrows has also had the opportunity to meet his former linemates Henrik and Daniel Sedin. The latter were named advisers to the general manager of the Canucks last June.
“We spoke yesterday [lundi] and today, Burrows recounted. I almost missed a meeting because I was talking to them! It’s always special to come back here. My three children were born here. I have lots of friends who live here, and there are still employees from my time on the staff. It’s like my second home. »
The duel against the Canucks will be the last game of a five-week trip for the Canadian. The St-Louis troupe won three of the first four meetings.