While Jayden Struble makes the most of the opportunity presented to him, Jesse Ylönen seems unable to seize his chance. But it’s not for lack of trying.
Thus, during certain training sessions, as was the case on Friday, the goalkeeper coach, Éric Raymond, requisitions shooters so that they send dozens of pucks to the masked men of the CH. On Friday, Ylönen and Mitchell Stephens were the lucky ones.
In fact, Ylönen performs this task quite regularly. “At first, it was because he was a rookie and we often ask rookies to do it,” says one of the goalies, Cayden Primeau.
But as Ylönen himself says, “I’m not that young anymore!” », Recalls the 24-year-old winger.
Now it’s me who asks to go, because I think it’s good to get more repetitions, in order to also score in the matches.
Jesse Ylonen
The American native speaks this way because he only has 3 goals and 2 assists in 22 games this season. His conversion rate (14.3%) is certainly that of an elite shooter, but the problem is that he has only taken 21 times in 22 games. If he shoots so little, it is mainly because he only plays on average 10 min 29 sec per game and often spends his third periods nailed to the bench, when Martin St-Louis reduces his squad to three trios.
A colleague asked St. Louis what the optimal usage time would be for number 56. “I don’t know,” admitted the head coach. Is it 12 to 15 minutes? I tend to believe it could be between 15 and 18, as an offensive guy. But he has to do things to earn that window. »
In the meantime, Ylönen has become a trusted man for St. Louis in the shootout. He was in uniform for four shootout sessions; three times he was designated to shoot, and on Wednesday he was the third to go. He has two goals in three attempts this season, three in four since his NHL debut. His only failure: Wednesday, precisely, when he shot at the post.
“He’s very good, he moves his shoulders a lot and it’s hard for a goalkeeper to stop,” said Primeau.
The latter also notes that Ylönen’s numerous shooting sessions are paying dividends.
When you shoot a hundred pucks for two or three months, your shooting improves. He likes it and his shooting has really gotten better. His shot is hard. He draws quickly and is able to place the puck. It is also misleading. As a goalie, you try to read the stick and body positioning. It’s good training with him!
Cayden Primeau, about Jesse Ylönen
All he needs to do is polish the other aspects of his game so he can draw more often during matches. And thus take a position in the top 9 in the absence of Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, Tanner Pearson and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard.
Evans absent, Harris progresses
PHOTO GRAHAM HUGHES, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Jake Evans (71) against Juuse Saros (74)
Forward Jake Evans missed a second straight practice. The team once again cited a “treatment day” to explain the absence of the former glory of the Mississauga Rebels. His status for Saturday’s match is unknown. If he has to be absent, Emil Heineman could take the opportunity to play his first game in the NHL, he who was recalled from Laval on Wednesday. On defense, Jordan Harris took part in his first full practice with his teammates since he was injured. On Tuesday, CH announced a return to play “in 10 to 14 days”.
Montembeault, again
PHOTO ERIC BOLTE, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES
Samuel Montembeault ahead of Vinnie Hinostroza (13)
Samuel Montembeault will defend the Montreal net on Saturday against the Islanders. This will be a second start in a row for the goalkeeper. He gets two glued starts for the third time this season, a privilege that Jake Allen has obtained only once. Why then, Martin St-Louis? ” It is deserved. »