(Boston) After a week with the Canadian, Joshua Roy is realizing something: he is capable of playing in this league.
He realized it himself during his third game with the team, that against the Devils, after his recall from Laval on January 12. Five days later, he found himself on that ice in New Jersey, and he scored his first goal in the National Hockey League.
“I had an excellent game and so did our trio,” explained the Quebec forward Saturday morning in Boston. We had a lot of good chances to score that night, and that’s when I said to myself, OK, I can play in this league. »
Joshua Roy doesn’t really know how long the adventure will last, and no one from the Canadian has broached the subject with him. But while waiting to know the answer, he is still here, with the Montreal club, and Saturday night’s game against the Bruins in Boston will already be his fifth with the club.
PHOTO ADAM HUNGER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Joshua Roy scored his first career NHL goal against the New Jersey Devils on January 17.
We will understand that he is in no hurry to return to the American League.
I’m more and more confident here, and I think it shows in my game. I’m gaining confidence, I feel like I’m part of the club. The guys take care of me…
Joshua Roy
The 20-year-old young man specifies that dinners with his teammates are very pleasant, among other things from an economic point of view – “my wallet stays in my pocket! » – but also, this time spent with the group allows him to fully understand where he is at the moment.
On this subject, he admits that he has had some moments of dazzling since he has been here with the big boys, especially during his first game, which coincided with the visit of the Edmonton Oilers to the Bell Centre.
“Usually, I would watch McDavid and Draisaitl on TV, and there they were in front of me… it’s impressive, because those guys are always creating something, (Nathan) MacKinnon too. You watch them on TV and then you come face to face with them… it’s different! You have to be alert when guys like that touch the puck. »
His dream will continue tonight in Boston. On a Saturday night against the Bruins, there are worse things in life than that.
“I watched Canadiens-Bruins games when I was little, and I remember that they were often like playoff games,” he added. I think it’s going to be the same this time… In the meantime, I’m giving everything I have, and whatever happens will happen. »
Anderson back, Montembeault in front of the net
PHOTO ERIC BOLTE, USA TODAY SPORTS
Josh Anderson
Martin St-Louis has confirmed the return of forward Josh Anderson, who has missed the club’s last four games due to injury. His return to the lineup will force the withdrawal of another attacker, Jesse Ylönen. According to the Montreal coach, Anderson will be able to bring “energy” to his team, he who had collected 12 points in 41 games this season before falling in combat.