The hopes of the Montreal Canadiens mistreated those of the Ottawa Senators on Sunday at the rookie tournament in Buffalo, and not just in scoring.
Xavier Simoneau scored two goals, guest player John Parker-Jones had a goal and an assist and the Canadiens ended their weekend by beating the Senators 7-2.
Defenseman Kaiden Guhle was in a game opener, while forward Juraj Slafkovsky was back in the lineup after skipping his turn Friday against the New Jersey Devils.
Guhle, Arber Xhekaj and Gianni Fairbrother, among others, gave the shoulder shots and the Senators players looked affected, eventually giving up.
Xhekaj was challenged by Zachary Massicotte in the second period. The two men gave a furious fight and Massicotte had to take the direction of the locker room after giving in the spine. The Quebec defender did not return to the game thereafter, victim of an “injury to the upper body”.
“He showed courage in defending his teammates,” Xhekaj said of Massicotte. It’s never nice to see a guy go down in battle like that. It could happen to any of us. »
Emil Heineman, Riley Kidney, Brett Stapley and Miguël Tourigny also hit the target for the Canadian. Antoine Coulombe made 25 saves.
The Canadian had three guest players in his training on Sunday. Parker-Jones and Coulombe did well, while Pierrick Dubé played with intensity, but was more discreet than on his first outing.
“It’s amazing not many people get such a chance,” said Parker-Jones, who spent last season at the University of Windsor, Ont. I think of those who did not have this opportunity, of teammates who would also have deserved it. I use this to not let this opportunity slip through my fingers. »
Massicotte and Angus Crookshank replied for the Senators. Kevin Mandolese stopped 30 shots.
The Canadian finished the rookie tournament with a 1-1-1 record.
“I think it was very positive, that we saw great things throughout the tournament,” said Laval Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle, who oversees the Canadiens’ prospects at camp. Several players showed their talent. »
The Canadiens’ camp will get under way on Wednesday, with physical exams. The Habs players will take part in the first exercises on the Bell Sports Complex ice rink on Thursday.
Report yourself in one way or another
Dubé looked better in Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Devils. He continued to be used shorthanded Sunday against the Senators.
“For me, regardless of my use, I wanted to give my maximum, said Dubé after the game on Friday. I played more shorthanded in this game than in my entire junior career! All I want is to become a complete player. »
Dubé was recognized for his offensive qualities in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He also scored several key moments this spring, helping the Shawinigan Cataractes win the President’s Cup and reach the Memorial Cup semi-finals.
However, he noted that he has been training for three years during the summer with a group that includes Patrice Bergeron and Phillip Danault.
“They remind me that players who were offensive in junior and who now play in the NHL are numerous. If I want to climb to the highest level, I have to show my qualities at the defensive level, ”said Dubé.
“For me, being able to rub shoulders with guys who have long careers like Danault and Bergeron, and who are dominant against the big opposing lines, is a great experience. Their advice is worth gold,” he added.
Coulombe also participated in the Cataractes’ triumph this spring, as did two other players present in Buffalo for the rookie tournament: Massicotte, invited by the Senators, and forward Olivier Nadeau, fourth-round pick of the Buffalo Sabers in 2021, which now belongs to the Gatineau Olympiques. Nadeau is recovering from shoulder surgery, but he’s in Buffalo this weekend even though he can’t play.
“After a season like this where you win the Cup, you become like brothers,” Dubé said earlier this week. We kept in touch throughout the summer. I was in Shawinigan with Massicotte to train with the team to prepare to come here. Again yesterday, we met at the arena. These are bonds that have been woven for life and we are very happy with what is happening to us. »
They can therefore count on each other as they try to impress the leaders of their respective teams, but also the many recruiters present in the stands during the matches.
“I’m the only goalkeeper in the group, so it’s a little different for me, but I ask the others how it’s going,” Coulombe said. Nadeau was here last year. I sometimes ask him questions. With Pierrick too, we all help each other. We want the best for each of us. »
Dubé hopes to leave the Canadian camp with a contract in hand, whether with the big club or with the Rocket. Coulombe can always return to play another season in the QMJHL and would be happy to simply leave a good impression on the leaders of the Canadiens in anticipation of next summer.