Disappointingly, the Rocket have gained a positive balance from its season

I am so proud of the team. Disappointing happened (Wednesday), but we improved the season and we played good hockey in the playoffs, we checked out Jesse Ylönen. Personally, I learned a lot about my game and I know what to do this summer.

After a 39-26-7 season and a final playoff qualifier, few could have predicted such a long playoff run for Jean-François Houle’s squad. But the club, which finished 3rd in the North Division with 85 points, was able to raise its level of play to reach the semi-finals.

Today’s games are very positive, Houle said from Place Bell on Thursday. I was excited about how the players approached the playoffs and the season as a whole.

The Rocket didn’t look like a mid-season contender as the team struggled at around .500. Houle gave credit to the club’s veterans, who helped him guide the younger ones.

” Our leaders have done a great job of keeping everyone on track. Sometimes the boat deviated from its line, but we were able to return it straight. This is the American League: you have ups and downs. “

In this league, you have to have consistency if you want to get into the playoffs, the coach continues. We have some players who have had great years: (Jean-Sébastien) Dea, (Kevin) Poulin, (Cayden) Primeau, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, who have scored more points than he recorded. (…) The depth also helped us: at COVID and at the visuals in Montreal, to have the Lions of Trois-Rivières nearby, who helped us.

Primeau a surprise

Of all his players, it seems Primeau’s performance was the one that surprised the coach the most, who decided to start the playoffs with Poulin on goal. Once he regains his seat, Primeau has no choice in Houle.

He surprised me, Houle admitted. I thought he had a lot of confidence. He was more solid in the net when teams pushed him, more so than at the start of the season. He also has more control over the speed of the fight.

If we take away the middle of the season, where I don’t play my best hockey, I have good games and others aren’t very good, Primeau studied. Obviously I want to work on my consistency.

Despite a difficult time in Montreal, Primeau never doubted his game.

I spoke to the team’s sports psychologist. We both told ourselves that we didn’t know what would happen to all of this, but something positive would come out of it. I never wanted to go through an experience like this, but when you live it, it grows you and you have to be thankful for it. I have been a better goaltender, both physically and mentally, since this time in Montreal.

Laval an example for Montreal?

Meanwhile, Dea had a message for the Habs organization during this review. According to him, the success of the Rocket was explained by the large number of Quebecers within its development.

I think the Canadian should take an example about that, he said. A gang of Quebecers representing Canadiens, there was not a night that the men didn’t play with pride and honor.

If Houle also believes that Quebec’s strong representation within his troupe contributed to playoff success, he puts a damper on his center player’s hopes.

It’s going to be fun, but it’s not as easy to do (in the NHL) as people think, he says. There’s the salary cap, players have to be interested (to play in Montreal). It’s complicated in the NHL, easier in the American League. But even in the American League, you have to find the right Quebecers. (Canadian leaders) have found the right people for the right positions. It is not easy to repeat.

We have some Quebecers on the team and you will find it exciting to play here for them, continued the head coach. (…) In my opinion, it made a difference. This can take away the feeling of ownership.

One thing is certain: Houle has been able to count on a very close group this season. Most of the Rocket players who marched to reporters on Thursday mentioned it.

There is something unique this season. The last month and a half has been the funniest I’ve played hockey in my life, Primeau said. I think that’s a big part of our success.

We clicked at the beginning, all together, even those who joined us during the season. It is as if they are with us for life. The relish go to the arena every day. We also have a lot of time abroad, it helps to get together as a group.

This is the first time I’ve played with so many Quebecers since junior. It was really special for me, for his advanced Poulin part. Non -Quebecers are great companions. I was happy with everything. We were a nice group, having fun on the ice and outside. It made everyone happier.

Another important element: the young Rocket players relied on a group of solid veterans, who greatly helped the youngest thrive. Houle also has his own idea of ​​who he wants to see again next season.

I think our team will be younger, but it’s important to be competitive. A great core of veterans is needed to guide these young people. Not just on the ice, but out of it. It’s important to have the right elements to help us continue what we’ve implemented this season.

They seem to be here in the room, both on offense and defense. In my opinion, we have a core of veterans that we must bring back. They have established a winning culture and can provide continuity.

Since most of these players were brought into Marc Bergevin’s organization, it remains to be seen how they were assessed by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.