Twenty six games. That remains of the Canadian’s season. With the overcrowded infirmary, rare wins, and non-existent fight for a playoff spot, this final stretch could be long.
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Of course, it depends on the perspective from which we look at the situation. Martin St-Louis, who was a philosopher in his spare time, used a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that comparing ourselves to others often takes away our sense of satisfaction.
“When you look at the league table and compare yourself to other teams, it’s easy to lose the fun,” said the Canadiens head coach, knowing full well that his team is 26th overall.
“We need to focus on ourselves to create enthusiasm. We want to keep growing and learning,” he added.
Sometimes you learn the hard way. So also last Thursday in Raleigh and on Saturday in Toronto. In the game for a good chunk of the game, the Canadian collapsed in front of much stronger than him.
“We have to finish the games, we have to finish the periods, we have to finish our presence,” hammered the Lavallois. We are here, we are in the right position. But we don’t finish the job. On this side we need to be more demanding. »
Encouraging Signs
This reality is often that of an inexperienced team. Inconstancy and youth often go hand in hand. Not to mention that with the number of injuries, several players do not occupy the right chair.
Again, there are two ways to look at the situation: focus on the last 20 minutes where the Canadian got away from him, or think he held his own for 40 minutes against some of the circuit’s best formations.
Not surprisingly, Jordan Harris prefers the second.
“At the beginning of the season, not many people gave us the opportunity to compete with teams of this size. It’s encouraging to know that if we play well, we can fight with anyone.
“Yeah, it’s annoying to see we lose these games through a couple of mistakes,” he continued. There are positives to take away, but there are also learning opportunities. »
Which in itself isn’t bad.
Another big challenge
They may have another big opportunity on Tuesday night in Newark. Third in the NHL, the Devils have lost just two of their last 10 regular-time games.
“The key will definitely be consistency. You have to be smart and avoid mental mistakes, because in the NHL the best clubs are too talented to waste scoring opportunities,” argued Alex Belzile.
Such is the case of Jack Hughes. With 35 goals, the former team-mate of Cole Caufield is at the center of the race for the Maurice Richard Trophy.
It is Samuel Montembeault who will face the Devils players’ shots.