When he stopped Brock Nelson to confirm the victory of the Canadian, Andrew Hammond looked at his teammates, raising his fist modestly. A sober celebration in the image of the man he is.
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At first glance, this victory did not seem to have a great meaning, other than the fact that it allowed the Habs to stick, finally, two victories this season.
However, for the 34-year-old porter, it meant the success of a return he had been waiting for four years.
Additionally, it was his first regular season victory since April 9, 2016 (he won a series game in April 2018). Six years ! Which is, in professional sport, an eternity. Moreover, it is the eighth longest gap between two victories since 1943-1944.
“I would be lying if I said I felt like in any other game. But it was getting close. From the start, I felt comfortable, said Hammond, author of 30 saves. I’ve been here for a week. I had a few good training sessions which allowed me to gain confidence. »
big stops
A confidence that seems to have passed on to his teammates. On several occasions in recent weeks, we might feel the Canadiens’ players hesitating in front of Cayden Primeau and Samuel Montembeault because of their fear of seeing each of their mistakes turn into a goal.
“He played a whole match, admitted Ben Chiarot, back following an absence of two games. He made some big saves, he played the puck well. I’m really happy for him. »
“It was a big moment for him. It shows that he has a lot of character. It’s really cool that he was able to come back. I can only congratulate him, ”said Rem Pitlick.
The goalkeeper with the green leggings was also solid in the shootout, yielding only to Anthony Beauvillier, the first opponent to advance towards him.
“Allowing a goal in the shootout is no different than in the game. You have to forget regarding it and focus on the next shot. You have to keep trying to give your teammates a chance to win,” said Hammond, who also held off in front of Mathew Barzal.
Pride and pleasure
This chance, the Montrealers seized it when Pitlick, on the very first try of his career, beat Ilya Sorokin to score what would prove, a few moments later, the goal that changed everything.
“It’s a fantastic feeling. I’m so grateful to be here. I don’t speak French, but this quote, passing the torch, brings a great sense of pride. Although I know this season is not going the way we would like,” Pitlick said.
Obviously, it will take more than two victories to witness a real passing of the torch, but if the atmosphere can be less heavy, it will at least be a win.
“Sometimes it just takes a little change of scenery to create a spark. Right now, the guys are enthusiastic and we’re having fun,” said the forward.
♦ Andrew Hammond became the 5e goalkeeper used by CH this season, a peak it has reached for the 5th time in its history (a first since 2015-2016). Forty players have now donned the tricolor uniform, six less than the team record set in 2000-2001.