Rafaël Harvey-Pinard is the one who will emerge from Kirby Dach’s injury as the big winner in the game of dominoes.
If Martin St-Louis did not want to comment on the role he had reserved for the Quebecer, Harvey-Pinard himself confirmed that on Tuesday evening during the visit he would find himself on the right side of the first trio with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki of the Minnesota Wild.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to take advantage of,” he admitted. But no matter whether I play on the first or fourth row, I always have to maintain the same identity and play in the same way. »
Harvey-Pinard had received an audition for the position during training camp. It was in Ottawa during the final preseason game.
The 24-year-old attacker’s task will increase not only when the strength is the same.
This will also be the case with special teams.
Double mission
In practice, Josh Anderson, who is normally deployed on the second offensive unit, took Dach’s spot on the first unit. Replacing Anderson, Harvey-Pinard and Tanner Pearson took turns in the second unit.
If the role goes to Harvey-Pinard, it could mean he would see a man on both the power play and when shorthanded.
“I don’t know if I’ll play on both sides. “I haven’t spoken to Martin about it yet,” Harvey-Pinard said. It’s always nice to have the opportunity to play on the power play. On the other hand, I also like playing when outnumbered. »
“I will take advantage of the playing time I am given and I will do everything I can to make a difference,” he continued.
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The most aggressive of a man
Speaking of being outnumbered, the Habs did a great job shutting down the Blackhawks’ massive attack on Saturday. In addition, they gave them nothing seven times and threatened them a few times.
Harvey-Pinard’s aggressive play in the neutral zone even enabled Sean Monahan to score a goal while shorthanded.
“There were times last year where we could have been more aggressive. “It’s an adjustment we’ve made,” Harvey-Pinard said. So far, so good. We manage to block more moves and put pressure on the opponent. »
Well, it was just the Blackhawks. We’ll have to see if the team can be just as effective in the next meetings.