The arrival of Martin St-Louis behind the bench of the Canadiens makes it possible to better target which players seem essential for the organization, which fit into the style of play and the philosophy that the head coach wishes to implement.
Obviously, there is the first line, that of Nick Suzuki, Josh Anderson and Cole Caufield. But we see that the new head coach appreciates Artturi Lehkonen more and more. He uses it in important situations. We know that he is a specialist on the penalty kill, but his role goes beyond this facet of the game.
Some say Lehkonen should be traded, but I don’t agree with that. He is only 26 years old. He will stay in Montreal. St-Louis needs him in the game system he wants to establish. He makes his linemates responsible on defense because he leads by example. When we look at the column of the differential, it is he who points to the first rank of the team, with -1.
St-Louis sees itself in Pitlick
Another one who impresses me – and who also seems to impress the new coach – is Rem Pitlick. Since he arrived with the Canadian, he is still one of the four best forwards on the team. St-Louis even sent him to the shootout.
Maybe St. Louis sees himself in him: Pitlick is fast, skillful and a southpaw who can play all three positions on offense. It was a great acquisition for the Canadian, especially since it cost nothing. Montreal got it on waivers!
I don’t understand why the Wild let it go like this. Perhaps the future will allow us to understand, but for now, he, too, has become essential to the success of the team.
Hoffman, the unloved
Mike Hoffman, yet often criticized for his defensive shortcomings, also seems to gain the confidence of St. Louis. The coach sees his attacking qualities. Because Hoffman is the type of player who can change the look of a game with just one shot.
Hoffman and Pitlick are the second forwards used by St. Louis in overtime, right following Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. That’s proof that they are leaving their mark in Montreal.
Does Poehling get it?
Laurent Dauphin is another player who seems to be appreciated by the organization. It shows good things and it is used in important situations. The Quebecer might occupy a position on the fourth line next season. Currently, the organization seems to see it ahead of Ryan Poehling.
Because at the moment, Poehling is one of the players who lose points. I don’t know what’s going on with him. Did his coaches and teammates blame him for his inaction when Samuel Montambeault was attacked by Zack Kassian of the Edmonton Oilers? Because we blamed Jeff Petry a lot, but Poehling too was close and did nothing…
Since that match, we don’t see him anymore. He’s a young player and he’s missing out on his chance to show off. While the meetings are played, Jeff Gorton, him, continues his evaluation. He notes everyone’s performance, he puts notes from 1 to 10.
If, in each game, Poehling gets a negative score, the Canadian will have to make decisions. There was already the trade that sent Tyler Toffoli to the Flames. After this exchange, things were expected to move quickly.
It depends on Price
But a lot of decisions depend on Carey Price, his status, his future. No doubt that Gorton talks with the doctors, that he knows a little more. But on our side, we are in the void.
One thing remains, however: the players understand what their coach is asking. St-Louis prepares its team well.
It might make the end of the season a little more interesting. Because an organization as prestigious as the Canadiens certainly does not want to finish last in the league.
-Comments collected by Jessica Lapinski
THE ECHOES OF BERGIE
Congratulations to Nicole Bouchard
Tomorrow, at the Videotron Center, the Remparts will celebrate women in sport. I want to take this opportunity to tip my hat to Nicole Bouchard, Director of Team Services and Media Relations.
I know her from my years with the Nordiques. It must be 36, 37 years. She’s been there all this time, working in the shadows. She takes care of the Ramparts, but also of the old Nords. When we need something, we always call her.
She was a pioneer in the field.
The Canadian will have to find a center
Jake Evans was unable to complete the game once morest the Flames. He doesn’t protect himself much, the youngster, he wants to impress so badly. He will have to be careful. He has already suffered several concussions.
With his injuries and the failure of Ryan Poehling, the Canadian will have to think regarding finding another center player. Nick Suzuki is having the best moments of his career right now, but he’s going to need some help.
I was told this week that the Canadian would be interested in Yanni Gourde, who is a center player. I don’t think Gourde is very happy in Seattle. If he ever came to Montreal, Beauce would be jubilant!