Alexander Romanov is not the type to let himself be shaken when coaches ask him to take a step back.
The 21-year-old defenseman said he was as confident as ever on Friday, following a 6-2 loss to the New York Islanders. Two days earlier, the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Dominique Ducharme, had left Romanov in the stands so that he could observe certain situations and learn to better manage them on his return to the ice.
“I watch the game and think about it. I watch what my partner does and try to repeat the same good things, ”Romanov said of his study night.
“Usually I’m shown video footage of my game or my partner’s game and I see when we make mistakes or good games,” he added. I try to improve myself. There is so much to review. That’s why I have to watch and learn. ”
Romanov landed in North America in the summer of 2020 and accompanied the Canadiens on their playoff journey through the NHL bubble in Toronto. He then made his first camp in January 2021 and made his NHL debut just 11 months ago.
Even though he played 54 of the 56 regular-season games last winter, Romanov has been left out more often than not in the playoffs, playing just four of the Habs 22 appearances on his way to the final. the Stanley Cup.
Since the start of the camp this fall, Ducharme has often said that Romanov needs to better channel his energy on the ice. Earlier this week, he said he wanted to see his defender play more consistently.
Romanov, who has collected a goal and an assist in 11 games this season, noted some of the adjustments requested in his game by Ducharme and defenseman coach Luke Richardson.
“After the game against Anaheim (last Sunday), I had to improve the space I give the opponent, reduce it,” he said. I lost a player at the end of the game.
“This aspect is important to me. There are also zone exits and pressure. Everything is important. ”
Ducharme also noted after the loss to the Islanders on Thursday that Romanov had done well.
In the eyes of defenseman Ben Chiarot, it’s not unusual for a defenseman to need a little time to get his bearings in the NHL.
“Confidence has a lot to do with it, but you have to gain experience in all situations,” said Chiarot.
“It’s not easy for a youngster to face established players every night,” he added. It can upset you. With experience, you learn to better handle situations where you make a mistake. You know it happens. “Romy” is going to be okay. It is under the magnifying glass now, but it will be good for a long time. He wants to learn. He has a good work ethic and good tools. ”
And that’s not the confidence that’s lacking in Romanov’s case.
“I just have to do my job. Play the same way every night. It’s my job to play with confidence, ”he said.
And what is his level of confidence now?
“He’s still the same! He insisted.