At 27, soon to be 28, Jonathan Drouin still has time to learn many things in life, such as ice hockey. For the Canadian’s recent visit to Tampa, Drouin knew that punctuality would always remain an important value.
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Martin St-Louis sent a strong message against the Lightning by keeping the number 27 in the center of the bench from the first second to the last during that 5-3 loss.
Drouin used it to pay the bill for being two minutes late to a team meeting the day before that meeting. For St-Louis, the decision was simple and logical. He wanted to hit the nail on the head of the culture he wants to instill in his team. He was even willing to get by with just 11 forwards against one of the NHL’s top teams just to get his point.
Two days after that little storm in Florida, Drouin and St-Louis had wiped out history. We were normal again.
Drouin will indeed have the opportunity to hop onto the ice for Tuesday’s visit to the Flash at the Bell Center. With twelve games left on the schedule, the Quebecer has not a second to lose. He will play his future with CH, but also within the NHL.
“I just want him to give away the hockey that he’s been giving us lately,” St-Louis said. I am satisfied with its performance. I knew he had many skills, but I didn’t know he had that many. He has good touches with the puck. he is engaged I know he doesn’t score many goals, but he drives offense by holding the puck and creating chances. Jo is a good game maker. »
Since February 12, Drouin has recorded 14 points (1 goal, 13 assists) in 17 games. During this time, no Habs player has scored more points than him.
Photo Martin Chevalier
Jake Allen
No baboons
Jake Allen always has good analysis. When he sheds his mask and pads in a few years, the New Brunswick-born goaltender will have plenty of offers, whether it’s for a job as a hockey man with an NHL team or a career in the media field.
Allen stayed true to himself as he described the story between Drouin and St-Louis.
“As an incident, it was unfortunate,” said the number 34. We’ve all been late for an appointment in life. But I understand that Martin wants to establish a culture and that’s part of it. I respect Marty’s choice but also Jo’s reaction. »
“Jo didn’t grumble,” he continued. This morning I skated with him for an extra minute and he indulged himself on the ice. He didn’t growl. He also answered questions from teammates for our powerplay game, he’s a very smart guy. He sat on the bench but he talked to the guys. We all respected his reaction. »
Like St. Louis, Allen feels Drouin has regained his confidence in recent weeks.
“I think he played well. He was solid overall. He has a good touch with the puck, he also scored points. His confidence returns. He’s a talented striker. The more puck he has, the more confident he is. I would say that he has been doing very well since the end of January. He wants to end on a high note. »
A family in the equation
Before the team’s trip to Pittsburgh and Florida, Drouin had a brief chat with the author of this line and a colleague at Radio-Canada Sports about his future. He had been asked what his priority for the future was.
“I don’t know yet,” he replied on March 10 after practice at Brossard. I haven’t arrived. I want to finish my last few games with the Canadiens. I have to play well to convince the management of the team or another formation. I want to find a place where everyone feels comfortable, not just me. But also my girlfriend and my child. »
“You always want to sell yourself,” he continued. Whether it’s staying with your team or going with someone else. I still have a chance to show that I can make a difference in this team and in this league. »