TORONTO | There is always a surprise at camp. Ten days ago we wouldn’t have bet on Mattias Norlinder. But after five preparatory games, the Swede is most likely to shuffle the cards.
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Norlinder was the author of a power play goal against the Maple Leafs on Monday and also did a good job in five-on-five play with David Savard.
At even strength, he played just over 16 minutes, but spent more than seven minutes on the ice at the same time as the Leafs’ front line, Auston Matthews’s Tyler Bertuzzi and Mitch Marner.
“This is a really good opportunity for me,” Norlinder said in the opposing team’s small locker room at Scotiabank Arena. At the beginning of camp I found it a little difficult to use the power play. I didn’t play much on the power play in Laval last season. Today [lundi]I was happy with my game, but the whole team played well. »
There are currently three players on the sidelines on the blue line: Mike Matheson, Gustav Lindström and Chris Wideman. If Matheson will return to action shortly, this will not be the case with Wideman.
Difficult decisions
In the press scrum after the game, Martin St-Louis recognized that Norlinder’s play was putting pressure on the organization.
“I would say yes. That’s the goal of every player. When you have difficult decisions, that’s always a good thing. That means the group is strong. »
“I liked the way he played,” the CH head coach continued. He played with a lot of confidence and a good feel for the ball. He is an intelligent player. »
The number 26 offense
Johnathan Kovacevic set the tone for this comeback by scoring his team’s third goal. Number 26 finished his night with a goal and an assist. Since the beginning of the camp, the Ontario native has not hesitated to attack.
“Yes, I would like to be a little more offensive,” replied Kovacevic. In ice hockey you always have to improve and the game is constantly changing. Now the offense is generated with all five players on the ice. There is no longer a defender who only operates on his territory. I have been working on this aspect [offensif] during summer. »