The Montreal Canadiens took part in intense training on Monday at the Bell Sports Complex, before submitting to small skills competitions to lighten the mood.
According to the Canadiens head coach, Dominique Ducharme, the opportunity was great to do so, since the Habs are currently enjoying a rare three-day lull between two games.
“You know, when it’s time to work, it’s time to work. And they did that for 45 minutes. And when you’ve done your job, to be able to regroup and take time out like that on the ice, it’s also good to do it to create a break; tell each other that we did our job, and that we can now have fun with each other, ”explained the head coach.
“It’s important to have a tight-knit group. We need everyone, not just two or three individuals, ”he added.
The Habs resumed training, two days after signing a 6-3 victory over the Nashville Predators at the Bell Center. The victory went to goaltender Samuel Montembeault – his first since joining the Canadiens, after being claimed on waivers from the Florida Panthers on October 2.
The good-natured atmosphere was no stranger to the return to the ice of goalkeeper Jake Allen.
The New Brunswicker was training with his teammates for the first time since November 13. Allen had been on the sidelines since being the victim of a fierce charge by Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin. Ducharme had confirmed a few days later that his guardian had suffered a concussion.
It is not yet known whether he will be able to play the Canadiens’ next game on Wednesday against the Capitals in Washington. “We can confirm it tomorrow [mardi]. We will have to see with the training we had how he feels, for the rest of the day and tomorrow morning too, ”said Ducharme.
The CH pilot also spoke briefly about the state of health of Carey Price, who has not skated since last Monday. “He continues to train in the gym and receive treatment for his knee,” said Ducharme.
In the meantime, the Montrealers will be back on the ice on Tuesday to put the finishing touches on their preparation for their three-game trip, which will take them successively to Washington, Buffalo and Pittsburgh.
“This is not a league where you can prepare for five days for a game. We have the opportunity to have two consecutive training sessions, and I think they are important in preparing us for our next three games away from home. I expect the same attitude tomorrow. It will be a short, but intense workout. We want synchronism, speed and intensity, so that we are physically and mentally ready for our next matches, ”explained Ducharme.
Edmundson will be on the trip
In addition, defender Brett Kulak took time off from training in order to undergo treatment. Ducharme said he was hopeful of seeing him again on the ice in Brossard on Tuesday, and of counting him in his training against the Capitals the next day.
For his part, defenseman Joel Edmundson continued his fitness program by skating with his teammates on Monday morning. The veteran, however, wore a sweater prohibiting body checks. Edmundson has still not played a meeting with the Bleu-blanc-rouge this season, since he has been annoyed since the start of the camp by an injury whose nature has not been revealed.
“He won’t play on our next trip, but he will accompany us and continue training with the team, hoping that his situation improves and that he feels better. In his case, it is more likely to be [un retour] next week, ”said Ducharme.
For his part, forward Cédric Paquette skated for the first time since he too suffered an injury of an undisclosed nature. The Quebecer was injured in the second period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings on November 9, and did not return to the game thereafter. He also wore a sweater prohibiting contact.
Ducharme seemed optimistic about Paquette’s return to the next game, unlike the cases of Mike Hoffman and Mathieu Perreault.
“Paquette is the one who is closest to a return to the game. We will know if it will be Wednesday, or during the trip. Hoffman will not return [cette semaine], it is certain, it will be necessary to see for the following week. And Perreault had the operation again last week, and his vision has not yet returned to 100%. It’s harder to predict how long it’s going to take [pour qu’il revienne au jeu]. “