The Montreal Canadiens players are resolutely frustrated and Josh Anderson did not hesitate to make his dissatisfaction known following a seventh consecutive loss on Tuesday. A completely normal reaction, and even desirable, according to assistant coach Luke Richardson.
See his press briefing in the video above.
Anderson had questioned the commitment of some, saying he was embarrassed by the efforts of his team that was “ridiculed” at the count of 7 to 1 by the New Jersey Devils.
“Players are always emotional following games and that’s a good thing,” Richardson said by videoconference Wednesday. Hockey is an emotional sport. We weren’t at our best [mardi] and it’s frustrating for the players.»
The players expect better. That’s what we want. We don’t want them to be happy or satisfied. I think the players respect each other. We expect them to respond.»
If emotions have taken over, Richardson hopes the players will be able to use them in the right way in order to put an end to the true ordeal of the Habs.
“They all feel the same way. It doesn’t matter to whom you would have asked this question [mardi], I’m sure they’re not happy. He is frustrated, as we all are. Sometimes when you channel the frustration, you carry on with good hockey.»
Simplify
About Jeff Petry, Richardson believes that the fullback will have to simplify his game and communicate more effectively with teammates in order to regain his bearings.
On Tuesday, he finished the game with a -4 record. Often, confusion seems to settle in the territory of the Blue-White-Red when it is on the ice.
“You know, this is not anybody’s season on our team,” Richardson said first. But Jeff is a big part of our defense and I’m sure he’s not happy with his game. Sometimes, when you’re not satisfied, you start wanting to force things. The best way to “fix” your game as a defender is to play in a simple way.»
“What will help Jeff and all the other defensemen and the rest of the team is to be a little more talkative on the ice.»
Dominique Ducharme’s squad – who did not speak to the media on Wednesday – will return to action on Thursday when they host the Washington Capitals.