TORONTO | At a time when the Nordiques were pulling out their nails scraping the boards at the bottom of the barrel, the marketing team settled on the slogan “The Strength of Young People.”

• Also read: The Maple Leafs end CH’s good series

On the Canadian side the situation is not that dramatic, but last night, at the end of the game against the Maple Leafs, we had that feeling. Against the crowded club from Toronto, Martin St-Louis’ troops were able to believe in victory until the end.

“In some games our hopes rest on the young people. That’s the type of situation you want to be put in when competing for a job in the NHL. They did well tonight,” said Alex Newhook, who at 23 was one of the oldest Habs players in uniform.

Given the number of recruits patrolling the Canadiens’ blue line, it could have been a disaster. And yet…

“We have a lot of depth on defense. “We saw it with the many young people who were in training,” Newhook continued. They defended very well against an NHL team. It’s exciting for the future.”

Well executed plan

Given the Leafs’ big guns, almost all of whom were present, you didn’t need to have the same feet or fingers up your nose to get out of territory effectively.

After an initial phase of trying to adapt, the young Montrealers succeeded. Additionally, the Canadian head coach had anticipated the change in the morning by putting his flock through action and reaction drills.

“Having a plan under pressure is something we attacked this morning. Tonight we did well,” said the Laval resident.

Lane Hutson is probably the one who executed this concept best during the game. Sometimes used with Justin Barron, sometimes with Arber Xhekaj, he made almost no mistakes.

“It’s great to play with him. His skating and skills speak for themselves, Barron said. It’s nice to go upfield with him in the opponent’s zone. He is creative. I’m really excited to see what we can do this year.”

Barron takes the gallon

Barron must first confirm his position. Since he must clear waivers before being transferred to the American League, there is a good chance he will start the season in Montreal.

But this administrative detail is not the only reason in its favor. The 22-year-old Nova Scotian is showing greater confidence on defense.

“I want to show that I have improved and can cope defensively,” he explained. I get chances in the penalty shootout. I try to use that to gain the trust of the coaches.”

So far it’s going well. In the two games he played, he was the most used player without a man. In his presence the opponent still hasn’t scored a goal.

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