Rafaël Harvey-Pinard could hardly sleep after scoring his first hat-trick of his career. The Quebecois got his feet firmly on the ground fairly quickly, however, when he took part in the Canadians’ optional practice session at Brossard on Sunday morning.
• Also read: Rafaël Harvey-Pinard “is going to be a big part of our team,” said Nick Suzuki
• Also read: Canadians: Rafaël Harvey-Pinard scores a first hat-trick in an easy win over the Blue Jackets
• Also read: canadian v Blue Jackets: Hat trick for Rafaël Harvey-Pinard
It’s not surprising. Regardless of level, Harvey-Pinard was always recognized as a hard worker. It’s not the nature of players to take time off unless forced to do so.
“I think that after an evening with so many emotions you can touch the ice rink [ç’a aidé] to calm down a bit and come down from the cloud. It felt good,” he said after training.
“I didn’t want to do a whole day without doing something.”
It wasn’t the first time in his career that the forward scored three goals in one game. He’d achieved the feat a few times at lower levels. Then again, doing it in the NHL is a different thing.
“I don’t think it compares. It’s another level. Doing it in the NHL with the Canadiens logo is like pinnacle. It was a beautiful moment and I will remember it for the rest of my life.”
A beautiful bond
Harvey-Pinard jumps at his chance when paired with Nick Suzuki. Both forwards enjoy playing together and it shows on and off the ice.
They have fun and we often see them smiling.
“Things are going really well between us,” said Harvey-Pinard. We advise each other.
“We have good communication and that pays off on the ice.”
The 24-year-old skater plays with confidence and proves he can produce consistently.
“The last time I had that same confidence, you have to go back to my 19-year year at Rouyn-Noranda,” Harvey-Pinard said. I made big plays with my racquet.
“At the moment I feel good with my racquet and I can play. It’s good for confidence.”
Both feet planted firmly
Harvey-Pinard is happy with his performance. On the other hand, he’s not the type of player whose head swells after a good performance. He tries to keep his emotional level in the right place.
“It’s not a big problem for Rafaël,” said Martin St-Louis. He’s pretty consistent in his performance. I think he does it very well.”
The Canadians’ head coach has no doubts about that. The Quebecer is now an NHL player.
“When I hit 20 games in Tampa, I had a mental click. I used to not feel like myself. Looks like my game will be unlocked by then.
“That’s what’s happening with Rafael. It’s not a game or two that makes the difference. He deserves to have this long phase with us.”
Joel Armia skated alone after team training. The Finn is still outside the starting XI due to a respiratory virus. He seemed comfortable with his movements.