2023-09-26 01:29:00
SUMMARY
MONTREAL – The Canadiens’ first preseason match showed that David Reinbacher instinctively understands offensive deployment, that Logan Mailloux plays fluidly and that Josh Anderson and Alex Newhook are ready to exploit their speed each in their own way.
Here, in more detail, are some observations from this 4-2 game once morest a small sample of the New Jersey Devils.
Mailloux quickly at ease
In 2023 hockey, defenders can no longer anchor their skates in the defensive zone like in the era of Peter Popovic, Craig Ludwig or Ken Daneyko.
Logan Mailloux is light years away from this profile. In his very first preparatory game with the Canadian, he did not hesitate to support the attack, to carry the puck, to take risks – sometimes too daring – in the offensive zone.
“I think I improved as the match went on. I was able to move the puck. It wasn’t that bad,” reacted Mailloux, who admitted to having experienced a “Welcome to the NHL” moment when Jack Hughes easily erased him from the game on the power play.
“He exposed his attributes at times. Offensively, on the blue line, he is very comfortable and he has a good shot; I am happy. On a disadvantage, I would like him to take a few fewer chances, but he’s a young guy,” said head coach Martin St-Louis.
The refinement of the professional level will do him the most good to eliminate some errors in his arsenal. But his offensive talent, his physical involvement and his powerful throw will help the Canadian for several seasons.
Against the Devils, his fluid game was easily detected. His breakthrough late in the match was a telling example of this.
Beautiful vision from Reinbacher
For Reinbacher, it will be understandable to be a little more careful during his first preparatory match in North America. That said, he was in control of many of his actions thanks to his intelligence.
“It was okay, nothing too good or too bad. But I know what elements I need to work on, so that’s a good thing,” commented Reinbacher.
Without a doubt, his greatest contribution was his assist on Josh Anderson’s goal. Reinbacher skillfully understood Alex Newhook’s intentions and then moved into offensive territory to receive his pass and shoot the puck on net. Anderson just had to push back into the cage.
In addition to this game demonstrating his offensive nature, Reinbacher had a very respectable outing. However, he blundered with the puck a few times. We especially remember when he had the disc stolen deep in the defensive zone so that Dawson Mercer almost scored.
Another time, he lacked a bit of confidence by getting rid of the disc too quickly.
On another occasion, he dealt very well with the pressure from the Devils to start the restart.
Slafkovsky tries to keep up with Newhook and Anderson
The trio bringing together Alex Newhook, Juraj Slafkovsky and Josh Anderson seems very interesting on paper. In action, we realize that the Slovak will need time to acclimatize to the two veterans who have already shifted gears to stand out.
Slafkovsky remains very young and the experience will allow him to develop his offensive assets once morest fierce competition. We deduce that the Canadiens coaches will want to be patient with him during training camp. After all, his last match was on January 15.
“The first half was not good at all. Then we played better as a trio and, in the third period, I felt good. So I want to build on this last period,” Slafkovsky admitted.
“I think he played well, he had a bit of a slow start, but he did better followingwards. He was aggressive on the forecheck and he used his body well following a long absence,” said St-Louis.
As for Newhook and Anderson, they were the CH’s two most dynamic players. Anderson might have added two more goals to his haul having obtained two breakaways without being able to thread the needle.
The imposing winger would surely not be unhappy to remain on Newhook’s right this season.
The offensive nature of Joshua Roy
There are those players whose natural talent will always stand out even once morest the caliber of the NHL. Joshua Roy falls into this category. His goal was magnificent as he completed Xavier Simoneau’s pass with a lively and perfect shot.
Xhekaj loosens his shoulders
Whether it’s a preseason game, last year’s rookie tournament or the regular season, Arber Xhekaj won’t skimp on his shoulder shots.
Moreover, he did not let go of veteran Tyler Toffoli during a sequence of several seconds. We would have liked to hear what message Toffoli had to convey to him.
Dobes can’t do anything once morest Mercer and Hughes
Goalie Samuel Montembeault played half of the game and gave way to Jakub Dobes while the Devils led 2 to 1. Poor Dobes mightn’t do anything once morest two fabulous maneuvers from Jack Hughes on the power play.
Hughes uncuffed Anderson to spot Dawson Mercer at the mouth of the net. Then he only needed a split second to shoot into the back of the net.
In this game, the Devils excelled on the power play with three goals compared to only one for Montreal.
Otherwise, Dobes managed to sprinkle in some good saves.
Let’s add that Montembeault was very unlucky on Simon Nemec’s goal from the red line! As well as these goals come during preparatory matches.
“I’m going to see him, I’m going to tell him, ‘What was that? You can’t count that way in the NHL! », laughed Slafkovsky following the game.
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