MONTRÉAL – Vincent Desharnais didn’t hear a laugh after the Edmonton Oilers’ stinging loss at the Bell Center on Sunday.
“Bad start… The game started at 12:30 p.m., we didn’t start it on time,” complained the great defender from Laval. “We weren’t ready. There is no excuse, you had to be ready. »
This first game against the Montreal Canadiens in his hometown had a very special cachet for him.
READ ALSO : The Canadiens stuff McDavid and the Oilers | Belzile will have to pinch himself for a long time
“It was a great feeling. I had lots of family and friends there, but I came here for the two ranking points,” he continued to grumble.
After a few minutes of interview, the 26-year-old colossus still admitted to having relished the opportunity he had cherished for a long time.
“I did it more in the warm-up period,” he said. My brother was there. I saw it with my niece. I also saw some friends. It was great coolbut when the game starts, it’s an arena like any other and I have to do my job. »
He nevertheless admitted that it was easier said than done, especially when he heard the voice of the house announcer Michel Lacroix who rocked his childhood.
“Emotions want to take over, but I’m 26 and I’ve learned over the years. At 21, I wouldn’t have handled a day like this the way I did. There were little moments that made me smile. »
Desharnais stayed on the ice after all his teammates after the game.
“You never know what can happen in life. It was maybe my last game. I made sure to take about ten seconds to savor what happened. Even though we lost, I’m proud of my journey and where I’m at. »
Desharnais achieved his dream of joining the NHL just a month ago. Sunday, he played a 12th game. He obviously hopes to play dozens, if not hundreds more, even if the Oilers intend to be looking for reinforcements in defense.
“Whatever happens is out of my control,” he replied. Whether the Oilers trade for any player, I can’t control that. Me, when I’m told that I have to be at such a place at such a time, I introduce myself, that’s all. »
“I’ve been waiting for the moment to be here for 10 years. I won’t start worrying about the period of transactions. Our next game is Wednesday. I will be ready to play. »
Coach Jay Woodcroft is in any case satisfied with the performance he gives to the team.
“He’s no different from the player I coached in the American League,” he said. It adds weight and long reach to our blue line. He does not stray from the simple style that makes him so successful. He knows how to use his stick to defend effectively, he performs the task shorthanded and if the situation arises he can drop the gloves. He does us good service. It’s our first loss in regulation time since he’s been with us. That says a lot about the contribution he makes to us,” concluded Woodcroft.