In the days leading up to last Saturday's game between the New York Rangers and the Canadiens at the Bell Centre, Blueshirts head coach Peter Laviolette expressed full confidence in Alexis Lafrenière and elsewhere that he would not hesitate to take advantage when there is much on the line stands.
Fans who witnessed Habs goaltender Samuel Montembeault's prowess in the 4-3 penalty shootout win over the Rangers still remember his spectacular save on Mika Zibanejad. However, they also remember how the last shooter approached the bouncer. It was actually Lafrenière who was tasked with trying to drag out the debate.
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The Quebecer bit the dust in front of his fellow Canadian, but that doesn't mean he will remain on the bench the next time the Rangers take part in the shootout. So far this season, Laviolette's men have only had three opportunities to showcase their skills in such circumstances.
“When the time comes to shoot [dans ces séances d’échappées]“He’s very good in our training,” the head coach admitted to the New York Post newspaper about the first pick in the 2020 National Hockey League draft. We didn't have many chances this year as there were only a few games there. But it's at the top of our list. When he got the opportunity to throw, he did a good job.”
In a text published by Le Journal on Friday, Laviolette highlighted the crucial place occupied by number 13, which is in a line completed by Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin.
“He is an important player for us. His trio is consistent. He generates multiple chances and attacks. He developed a great bond with Panarin,” he told journalist Jean-François Chaumont.