In the third part of his interview with Jean-Charles Lajoie, broadcast on Wednesday, Martin St-Louis returned to his playing career.
There is no doubt for the former Lightning and Rangers that the 2003-2004 season was pivotal in his development.
“That year was amazing. I was the first since Wayne Gretzky to win the Hart Trophy, the Art-Ross Trophy and the cup in the same year. When you can live that, you pinch yourself. But then you have bigger responsibilities. People expect the same thing every year.”
And St-Louis admits, with great humility, having had problems coping with the pressure during the following season.
“Until then, I was an ‘underdog’. Afterwards, I was no longer that. I was making a big salary with a six-year contract. There were so many expectations and I struggled the first year. I made 60 points the first year of my big contract. I had a hard time dealing with that.”
As for his former coach John Tortorella, the Canadiens pilot confirms having had friction with him before. But today, he understands some things better.
“I had battles with ‘Torts’. He fights for the right reasons, for example. I understood why he was angry with me. When I look back, I know he was doing it for the best of the player and the team. It takes the truth and it takes a plan for each player.
If Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards were the most loyal accomplices of St-Louis in Tampa Bay, he has enormous respect for his former captain Dave Andreychuk. The Canadiens coach also sees similarities between the latter and Nick Suzuki.
“Yes, there is a parallel. It is certain that the NHL has made a transition too. It’s made a much younger league. One of the qualities Dave had that helped me become a leader too was his empathy. If you weren’t well, he felt it. He was devoted to others and wanted to create a family spirit to include everyone. To be a good leader, it takes empathy. I know Nick has that.”
Asked about his time with the Rangers and the famous collision between Chris Kreider and Carey Price, which possibly deprived Montreal of a presence in the final in 2014, the Quebecer refused to blame his former teammate. However, he admits that the incident had a big impact on what happened next.
“It definitely changes the show, but those are things you can’t control. It sure is disappointing. You are disappointed for the individual and for your team. It’s hard to take.”
Watch the interview in the video above.