DETROIT | Cayden Primeau hadn’t enjoyed the feeling of an NHL victory in nearly two years. In just his second start in a strange three-goalie trio, Primeau had a very good performance in this 3-2 overtime win over the Red Wings.
• Also read: Mr. Extension repeats
• Also read: Separate your duo in the name of balance
Cole Caufield didn’t hesitate to send him flowers and said he was the best player on the ice at Little Caesars Arena. Martin St-Louis also gave a eulogy for his 24-year-old goalkeeper.
“I’m really happy for him,” St-Louis said. Cayden is a hard worker, a good young man. He’s waiting for his turn, it’s not an easy situation. I take my hat off to him. He played really well. »
Primeau blocked 27 shots, including a spectacular one in overtime against the ever-dangerous Alex DeBrincat. But beyond the stops, the American stood out for his calmness.
“His performance is impressive,” admitted St-Louis. He doesn’t play much. At the beginning of the year it was a matter of circumstances. Our team played well and our goalkeepers played well. You have to give it a chance from time to time. We thought it was a good time tonight and he did his job. »
Prior to this game in Detroit, Primeau had suffered one loss in his last eight NHL starts.
“I wasn’t nervous, I was just excited to play,” said No. 30. “My dad (Keith) started his career with the Red Wings, so I think it’s special to win against this team.” »
Like Tortorella
St-Louis had reconciled his trios and separated Nick Suzuki from his great accomplice Cole Caufield. Suzuki played center alongside Alex Newhook and Josh Anderson, while Caufield lined up on the left alongside Christian Dvorak and Juraj Slafkovsky.
“The game speaks to you,” said St-Louis, explaining his decision. This happened to me often as a player. Sometimes (John) Tortorella separated us. In Tampa, Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards took center stage. That’s what we did this evening. We changed two centers to see what that could bring us. Sometimes spending a little time apart is a good thing. »
“It’s not a big story,” captain Nick Suzuki added. We had just lost four games in a row and couldn’t do much in the five-on-five system. We wanted to see different options. »
Caufield, who scored the game-winning goal in overtime, his third goal this season, had just one shot in the five-on-five game against the Wings. Still, St. Louis gave him a good grade, especially for his defensive work.
“At five-on-five, Cole was very good at managing his game,” he explained. Defensively he was committed. You have to play the game. He played the game and was rewarded. Cole had a great game. Suzie too. »