(Kanata) Sean Monahan is a man of few words. So if he gets excited talking about Joshua Roy, it’s probably because there’s something going on.
In New Jersey, Wednesday evening, the Quebecer scored the first goal of his NHL career, in his third game, on a pass from Monahan. At the start of a long overtime, Roy quickly handed the puck to his center player, and he kept it for a long time, completely mystifying defender Simon Nemec and goaltender Nico Daws. Monahan then served a back pass to Roy, who scored into an open net.
Quickly, he picked up the disc to ensure that the memory of that first goal was not lost.
All assists have their value, but we understand, listening to Monahan speak, that this one has particular value.
PHOTO ADAM HUNGER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Joshua Roy (89) beat Devils goalie Nico Daws after receiving a pass from Sean Monahan (91).
“I was already excited for him when he was recalled,” said the forward Thursday morning in Kanata, a few hours before the duel between his team and the Ottawa Senators.
“I played with him a little bit in training camp,” recalled number 91. “I know how good he can be. If he finds his confidence in this league, I believe he will be a special player. »
“He’s an intelligent player,” he continued. He was a little nervous in his first match, but he is starting to find his feet. I’m very happy for him that this first goal is already behind him. »
Three Quebec compatriots of Joshua Roy took him under their wing, we learned Wednesday after CH’s 3-2 victory against the Devils. David Savard, Samuel Montembeault and Rafaël Harvey-Pinard took advantage of the team’s visit to the New York region to have dinner with the rookie.
Roy told reporters that these kinds of initiatives made him feel “part of the group.” And he followed it up with an inspired performance of five shots on target and a goal.
“That was the objective,” confirmed David Savard.
When you’re on the road, it’s easier to incorporate it into the things you do. At home, we just see each other at the arena, then everyone goes back to doing their own thing. On the road, we can hang out together, get to know the guy. It was important to bring him with us, to make him feel part of the team.
David Savard
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
David Savard
Off the ice, Savard discovers “an extremely ice guy”, a bit like his personality on the ice. The defender describes a teammate “in control all the time, who has a lot of skills” and poise with the puck.
“He’s someone who will help us win in the future,” he predicts. He had a taste [de la suite]. He is the one who will dictate how far he can go. »
The Canadian’s lineup against the Senators will be the same as the one that defeated the Devils the day before, with the exception of the goaltender – Cayden Primeau will be entrusted with the net. The only player left out will be Johnathan Kovacevic.
Korpisalo in net, Joseph promoted
The Senators, for their part, will put their destiny in the hands of goalkeeper Joonas Korpisalo. The Finn is in the midst of a miserable season on an individual level, but head coach Jacques Martin stressed that he had good games against the Habs.
PHOTO MARC DESROSIERS, USA TODAY SPORTS VIA REUTERS CON
Ottawa Senators goaltender Joonas Korpisalo
Checked, Korpisalo has a 5-2-0 record against Montreal, with a .920 save percentage and a 2.59 GAA.
Even though he has experienced some difficulties in recent games, forward Mathieu Joseph has been promoted to the Senators’ first line, to the left of Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson, replacing Vladimir Tarasenko.
Jacques Martin said he wanted to inject a little intensity into this unit. He also wanted to highlight the good work of Joseph, an “intense, fast and tenacious” player with a “good understanding of the game”, who is also heading towards the best season of his career on the offensive level.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.