Despite an impressive first game, Quebec’s Anthony Richard had one particular regret when it came time to analyze his performance. See his full interview with the media after the meeting at the top of the article.
Just before halftime in the game, the Trifluvien intercepts a puck in the enclave when it is placed slightly higher than the faceoff circles’ ears. Still, the American Hockey League (AHL) top scorer attempted a pass to teammate Joel Armia, who headed for the far post instead of shooting. Coyotes goalkeeper Karel Vejmelka recognized the maneuver well and was able to intervene. See the sequence below.
That missed chance tasted a little bitter knowing the Coyotes could level the game less than 40 seconds later.
Richard decides to pass instead of shooting and the Coyotes run away – December 19, 2022 –
“I was too generous,” agrees the headmaster. “You give me another chance and 10 times out of 10 I throw […] I haven’t checked my text messages but I’m sure my dad texted me that I was being too generous, he’s been telling me since I was a beginner!
Anthony Richard played a third game at Bettman Circuit on Monday, but a first with the Canadians. He is the third Richard in history to wear blue-white-red, the first two being Maurice and Henri, obviously.
The 5-foot-11 winger finishes the game with 10 minutes 58 seconds of play and two shots on goal. Overall, the number 90 is happy with his game. A feeling shared by his coach.
“[Richard] it was very good. His energy and speed set him apart. He covers a lot of ice, both offensively and defensively,” said Martin St-Louis in his press conference. after the win.
Martin St-Louis Press Conference – December 19, 2022 –
changes in the game
In fact, Richard had such a strong game that he was promoted to second-line wing in the third period. To that end, Kirby Dach was seen on the wing of the first unit along with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, while Richard took a seat to the left of Jonathan Drouin and Josh Anderson. Juraj Slafkovsky, who had a difficult game, ended the duel with 10:34 playing time, three minutes less than the average of the last games.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Drouin at the center for a few meetings. “Since his return to the game [Jonathan Drouin] gives us the hockey we’ve come to expect from him. He’s doing very well in the middle,” replies St-Louis.
The third center of the tricolor also did well. After being hit in the face by a Nick Suzuki one-timer in the first half, Christian Dvorak returned to the game. At the beginning of the second game he deflected a shot from Arber Xhekaj to make it 2-1, his seventh goal of the season. St-Louis also had some good words for him, which you can hear in his press conference above.
Powerplay is hard and it hurts Christian Dvorak – December 19, 2022 –
Thank you Samuel
The Canadians’ victory would not have been possible without the help of goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault. The latter was on his own in the first half, and the Coyotes hit the 30-shot mark at halftime in the game.
That being said, the Quebec goalkeeper prefers to be busy than the opposite. “It’s not anymore fun being busier than games like against Ottawa where it took 15 minutes to get a shot,” explains the one who ended the evening with 37 saves and a .949 efficiency rate.
Echoes of Samuel Montembeault’s dressing room – December 19, 2022 –
Two veterans are doing well
The presence of Montembeault, Richard and Drouin in the lineup meant there were three Quebecers in uniform for the first time this season. “It’s been a long time!” Jonathan Drouin says in good faith, echoing through the dressing room.
No kidding, the number 27 was happy about his team’s two points. “It is important to start the journey well. It’s going to be a big game on Wednesday against Colorado. We still have two games before Christmas, so we’ll give everything,” explains Agathois.
Locker Room Echoes by Jonathan Drouin – December 19, 2022 –
His friend and teammate Mike Hoffman, who scored the decisive goal in overtime, points in the same direction. “Let’s hope we can build on this match to get better,” replies the man who completed a Kirby Dach series in overtime for the second time in less than ten days.
Hoffman, like Drouin, had good words for Anthony Richard.
Mike Hoffman Locker Room Echoes – December 19, 2022 –
In addition, the Canadiens players enjoyed their time at the Coyotes’ temporary arena, Mullet Arena, which only seats 5,000. “It was very loud,” notes Hoffman in turn.
Same observation from Samuel Montembeault, who noted that the animations during commercial breaks were very catchy. The only downside: “It’s a long way to the ice rink,” jokes the goalkeeper.
The Montreal Canadiens do it again Wednesday when they visit the Avalanche in Colorado.
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