Rafaël Harvey-Pinard scored his first NHL goal in his first game with the Canadiens. It was December 28 in Tampa in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Lightning.
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Nearly thirteen months later, Harvey-Pinard experienced the joy of scoring a first on-ice goal from Bell Center. In the second half, the winger pounced on a return from Michael Pezzetta to place the puck in the top of the net against Ilya Samsonov.
He jumped into the bay window after scoring and was then given a warm hug by Pezzetta and Alex Belzile, author of the other pass of the game.
“It’s hard to describe emotions,” said Harvey-Pinard after the game. I had shivers running through my body. It’s every little guy’s dream to score at Bell Center, especially against the Maple Leafs on a Saturday night.
For the first time, number 49 also had the pleasure of hearing the honeyed voice of Michel Lacroix announcing his goal.
“It was something special. Ever since I was little, I’ve heard him say the names of the boys that matter. I have chills all the time. But hearing my name was even more magical. It was a special night.”
In Montreal for Tuesday’s games against the Jets and Thursday’s games against the Panthers, Marc Pinard and Johanne Harvey returned to Arvida in Saguenay on Friday morning.
“My parents weren’t there tonight but I had family by my girlfriend’s side, number 49 underlined. I know my parents were watching me at home. You are proud of me. It’s heartwarming.”
The correct prognosis
In the CH dressing room, Harvey-Pinard also revealed a talent unique to Belzile, reading the future.
“Before overtime started, Alex had told me on the bench that he thought Pitlick would score the winning goal. When he scored I couldn’t believe it. I will ask him more often about his predictions.”
Rem Pitlick, another forward who has worn Laval Rocket’s jersey this season, laughed at his teammate’s prediction.
“Belzile is great. I was happy to see him again before the game. I had developed a great bond with him at Laval. I’m glad to know that he believes in me and made that prediction.
Belzile, on the other hand, was a little hesitant to revisit that story. He was probably afraid of inheriting the JoJo Savard nickname.
“I don’t know where it came from. I don’t want to pretend to be a genius. I had this feeling. When extra time started, I had a feeling. By the time Pitlick regains his confidence, he’s quite the hockey player. I’m very happy for him. I had already made such a prediction in Laval this season.