With the absence of Sean Monahan, Jonathan Drouin has been used at center since returning to action with the Montreal Canadienslast week.
Drouin’s efficiency in this position allows head coach Martin St-Louis to replace Kirby Roof on the wing, a place where he is much more comfortable.
As for Drouin, he seems comfortable as ever in the center and he is also doing well in the face-off circle with 52.4% efficiency in the last four games.
“I had a difficult first year at the center in Montreal. I learned from this situation,” says Drouin. “I’ve been more comfortable in this position for the last three games. I’m successful in the face-off circle. It helps me mentally when I’m doing well in the circle. I like to be in the center, I feel free. »
“He is very comfortable in the center and he plays with a lot of confidence. It helps us manage other things,” added St-Louis.
Anthony Richard for his part returned to his debut with the Habs last night.
The Quebecer left quite a first impression. He played almost 11 minutes, directed 2 shots on goal and finished the game in an offensive line with Jonathan Drouin and Josh Anderson.
Richard will never forget his 26th birthday. It went under the radar during Tuesday’s practice in Tempe, but his family and friends haven’t forgotten about it. As it was past midnight in Quebec when the game against the Coyotes ended, he was inundated with well wishes and congratulatory messages after his first game with the Canadiens.
“I received a good mix of ‘good game’ and ‘good party’. It was a very eventful evening with a lot of positives. It’s not something I experience every day. I had difficulty falling asleep with the excitement, ”rejoices the striker.
And the best gift, it is Martin St-Louis who gave him by taking the time to talk to him before he faces the Coyotes.
“He told me that the mistake he made at the start of his career was to want to please the coach. Wanting to do whatever he wants by changing his style of play. He told me he didn’t want me to please him and play my game. I prefer that you make mistakes while playing your game. We will correct the small errors. I don’t want you to get to the red line and send the puck deep into the end zone,” says Richard.
For the Trois-Rivières forward, it was only his third game in the National League and his first in more than three years. A game does not make a career, except that against the Coyotes, he clearly demonstrated that he is capable of holding his own in the Bettman circuit.
“I felt intimidated three years ago, but yesterday, really not. I had had a good training camp. I felt good on the rink. The level of play is better at the moment, but I felt really good. I felt confident when the nervousness dropped in the first half. »
Used nearly 11 minutes Monday night in Tempe, Anthony Richard left an excellent first impression. It would be very surprising if he was not in uniform on Wednesday in Denver. And we could perhaps also give him responsibilities on the penalty kill.