Head coach Martin St-Louis took great measures to remedy the finishing problems of the Montreal Canadiens players, taking out practice targets during training Wednesday morning at the CN Sports Complex.
The forwards rotated to participate in four drills – three with a practice target and one with an empty net – while the goalies and defensemen practiced on the complex’s second rink.
“We were not going to force our goalies to go through such training,” St-Louis stressed, explaining the decision to go with training targets. It still allows you to have something to aim for. And on the target, the holes are not tiny. It reminds players that they don’t need to always go for a perfect shot. »
The five-gap boards finished the practice with a few more puck marks. The players were able to shoot to their heart’s content, without fear of injuring the goalkeeper.
“It’s back to basics,” said veteran Tanner Pearson. As you grow up, you’re going to shoot 100 times a day and that’s how you’re going to get better. Whether the puck goes in or not is a matter of puck positioning. It helps to know where to shoot in the heat of the moment. »
Before Wednesday’s games, the Canadian found himself tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets for 25th place in the circuit with an average of 2.75 goals per game. He hasn’t scored more than two goals in regulation in each of his last four games.
However, St-Louis is very happy with the work of his troop during this sequence.
“We generate enough scoring chances to win matches,” he insisted. Defensively, we are there, five against five, our special teams continue to improve. We are competitive in every game. I think it’s the best four-game stretch since I’ve been in office.
“I know we want to score more goals. It would help if a few players unlocked. This would allow them to regain confidence. But we can’t do that at the cost of neglecting the defensive side. »
Josh Anderson and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard have still not scored this season after 16 and 13 games respectively. Jake Evans’ drought is now 15 games, Alex Newhook’s drought is now 13 games, and Pearson’s drought is now at 11 games.
“The guys are going to take care of their teammates and not worry about the outside noise,” insisted Pearson. Results are more important than personal statistics. Yes, it would be nice to score, but it’s even nicer to win hockey games. »
The Canadian (7-7-2) will try to end a two-game losing streak Thursday night, when they host the Vegas Golden Knights (12-3-1) at the Bell Center. The Habs lost 3-2 in a shootout to the reigning Stanley Cup champions on October 30 in Las Vegas.
Three absent from training
Harvey-Pinard and defenders Mike Matheson and Jordan Harris did not participate in the Canadian’s training.
The team said the three players were instead enjoying a day of treatment.
Harris is the only one of the three who represents a questionable case for Thursday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights, according to what a team spokesperson told The Canadian Press.
The American defenseman is dealing with an upper body injury suffered Saturday against the Boston Bruins. He faced the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, before skipping his turn against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.
Furthermore, defender David Savard skated before the regular group on Wednesday morning at the CN Sports Complex. Savard is recovering from a broken left hand suffered October 23 against the Sabers in Buffalo.