With 20 seconds left in the game, Carey Price placed his stick under his arm, returned to the corner of the rink and greeted, in all likelihood, his wife and three children.
Nothing so unusual since his return to play, except that it took place in the middle of the match, in his area and his defender pass behind his net at the same time. An act, let’s say … unprecedented.
Not yet done, pretty much like everything surrounding the end of the season for the famous goalkeeper. Frequent visits to her children during breaks during games, great reviews from her teammates towards her, the impromptu visit to her orthopedic surgeon in New York and the final return for the final game of the season, a happy 10 -2 victory by the Canadian against the Florida Panthers school club.
That, Friday morning at practice, Martin St-Louis said that what’s next [après le match]I have no idea.
We would have liked to ask the main interested party, but the goalkeeper let the media members down after the match because of the very festive atmosphere in the CH locker room. We can understand this. It’s still being postponed, the team is taking a weather report from Saturday.
Pierre Gervais, the team’s 35-year equipment manager who retired Friday night, admitted it a possibility.
He will be taking a risk with his doctors this summer and we hope he can play a few more seasons.Gervais added.
St-Louis, less talkative, simply said he was gone no idea of what the future for Price. He didn’t tell her about that, the coach added.
Despite everything, there was such an atmosphere of last dinner at press conferences after the match. Without question about Price, Pierre Gervais launched that he was really fun for him.
” It doesn’t matter that he’s the best goalkeeper, he’s an extraordinary person. I often have the opportunity to meet him alone in the locker room in the morning. He is an extraordinary man. “
Gervais then entered into his memories.
When I think of Carey Price, I think of Sochi. This man, didn’t see that. Even my acolytes, the guy I was with worked for the Rangers and he was like, ‘Who’s that guy? He came first, in a suit, cowboy hat, so focused. Amazing. In Sochi, honestly, there is no doubt in my mind that we won a gold medal. Carey will not be defeatedsaid the sympathetic gentleman.
In other words, it’s all to say that we’re singing his praises, that he himself is acting like someone who knows his privilege and he wants to enjoy it a little more, for the last time, before leaving.
But who knows the depth? We will find out soon.
Clearer for the coach
Martin St-Louis first told RDS after the meeting that he did definitely behind the bench next season.
Less affirmative in a press briefing, he just agreed this is [son] purpose.
I want to end the season. I don’t want to start dealing with that, thinking about that. We will have discussions in the next few hourshe explained.
It should be noted that the interim coach of the Canadiens does not intend to move his family in case he extends his association with the Habs.
His wife and children have remained in Connecticut for the past few months while he has lived in Quebec, as is often the case in this environment, especially when a change occurs in the middle of the season.
On the other hand, it is less rare to see a coach leave his family when his position has become stable and the medium-term future is more predictable. Claude Julien, for example, deported all his people to the province after completing the campaign in 2016-2017 that replaced Michel Therrien.
I could cling to the distancehe assured.
Revived by St. Louis was the group on his arrival, but his ugly nine consecutive defeats at the time of regulation came to break the resurrection. He finished his 37-game segment with a 14-19-4 record and 24th position overall during a consecutive streak. An improvement, certainly, but not enough to break the champagne either.
The contract extension, however, seems more of a formality now.
St. said. Louis that he always had hockey in mind when he played, even in the summer, and he didn’t think he was any different now that he was in charge of the team.
The wheel is spinning. I’m sure I’ll be both a coach. I love hockey. More playoff hockey. I watch a lot of playoff hockey. And not just as a beginner, if you know what I meanhe launched, scolding the eye.
We understand Martin, we understand.
Under Quebecer’s aegis, some players got their very best, Cole Caufield at the top of the list. Thanks to his hat trick on Friday night, the little American finished at the top of the CH scorers under St-Louis with 35 points, including 22 goals, in 37 games.
I won’t lie, the start of the season hasn’t been easy. Frustrating, difficult. It’s hard to receive negative feedback. I learned a lot this year about perseverance and finding resources to motivate yourself. Outside noise can affect you. What matters is what the people in the room and the coaches think about you. The relish goes back to where you thought you should besaid Caufield, somewhat philosophically.
However, work is just beginning for St-Louis, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton. When the veil is removed in Carey Price’s future, it will be easier for them. Pretty much. And at least everyone knows what to expect.
Funny way to end a season. A season in which CH broke its record of defeats in regulation time (49), allowed the first goal 52 times, gave up 5 goals and more 31 times, gave up 317 goals to the opponent, a threshold that not yet reached before.
On the other hand, there is nothing surprising here considering the last 16 months this group has experienced. It’s unique, incredible. Why not a little last chapter …
Source: Radio-Canada
