The Canadian’s hopes found their feet throughout the three games played at the rookie tournament in Buffalo and some of them now hope to take advantage of this springboard to stand out when the main camp begins.
The Montreal club defeated the Ottawa Senators 2-1 at the end of the event, Monday afternoon at LECOM Harborcenter, thanks to goals from Riley Kidney and Jan Mysak.
The Canadian looked better than in his first two games — a 6-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabers and a 4-1 victory against the Boston Bruins — but he faced much weaker opposition.
The Senators had only five players drafted on their roster, including only one forward.
In the circumstances, we can therefore say that the Habs players answered the call.
“We played an intense game and we had several good chances to score,” said Laval Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle, who led the Canadian’s hopes during the tournament. We kept the pedal to the metal during the three periods.
“For several players, it was the first time they wore the Canadian jersey,” he added. They will be more comfortable when main camp starts in a few days. »
Defenders Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher looked good. Mailloux hit the post twice, in addition to having a goal stolen by goalkeeper Leevi Meriläinen, while Reinbacher was effective in his territory.
“It had been five or six months since I had played a hockey match,” recalled Mailloux, who seemed particularly nervous during the first match. It was good to get rid of the nervousness. It was also the first time I wore the Canadian uniform, which is special. I think I gained confidence over the course of the three matches. »
“The game is fast and I had to adjust,” added Mailloux. I think I am better prepared for camp because of this experience. »
Offensively, players like Joshua Roy, Sean Farrell and Filip Mesar managed to generate more scoring chances on Monday. Mysak was also involved in the battles around the opposing net.
Meriläinen was the star in the Senators camp, stopping 33 shots.
On the Canadian side, guest goalie Jan Spunar faced only 16 shots.
Defenders William Trudeau and Miguël Tourigny also continued their good work with the Canadian, as did Jayden Struble. Houle particularly praised the work of Trudeau, who was the team captain in the two matches he played.
“Today, he’s the one who ‘ran the patent,’” Houle said. When he skates and keeps his head high, he’s beautiful to watch. »
“I think he was the most consistent player in the tournament. His experience paid off. Today he was one of the best players on the ice. »
Trudeau found his wings in Buffalo last year, then having a good season with the Rocket. He and his teammates hope to repeat the scenario and now impress the management of the Habs during the main camp.
The Canadian’s camp will begin on Wednesday, with medical examinations. The first training will take place on Thursday. The Canadian will play his traditional Red against White match on Sunday before playing a first preparatory match on September 25, against the New Jersey Devils.