(Brossard) Coach Martin St-Louis said it was just a coincidence, but for the second time in as many seasons, Cayden Primeau will have the chance to play in front of family and friends in Philadelphia.
Primeau will defend the Montreal Canadiens cage on Wednesday against the Flyers.
Although he is a native of Farmington Hills, Michigan, Primeau grew up cheering for the Flyers, for whom his father, Keith, played during the latter part of his career.
Primeau will be making his 26th NHL start, ninth this season. He allowed two goals and made 24 saves in a 3-2 loss to Philadelphia last March.
“Every time you play a game in the NHL, it’s special, but to return to where my dream began, it’s even more special,” Primeau said before the team left on Tuesday. I will be able to play in front of parents and friends, against the team I followed during my childhood. »
Montreal defender Mike Matheson, who now has the opportunity to play every home game close to home, mentioned that there can be good and bad when a player on the visiting team is from the region.
“The first few times I came here, I tried as much as possible not to get involved in managing tickets for my family and friends. I just wanted to focus on the game,” Matheson said.
St-Louis said he expected Primeau to have gained experience since his first outing in Philadelphia. He also noted that the Habs’ seventh-round pick in 2017 seemed more mature this season.
“My first match in Montreal, I was nervous and excited, but I got used to it. I expect it will be the same for Cayden,” he said.
Primeau’s last departure dates back to December 28, when the Canadiens resumed activities after the Christmas break. He then gave up four times in a 5-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Since the start of the campaign, Primeau has played on average every 10 days. Asked about its use, which is affected by the menage a trois which has lasted since the start of the campaign, Primeau played it cautiously.
“I’m in the NHL, so I have no right to complain,” said the 24-year-old American. Obviously I’d like to play as often as possible, but I’m taking things one day at a time. I make sure I’m ready when I’m called into the fray and otherwise I want to be the biggest supporter of whoever’s defending the net. »
In an interview with Réseau des sports Monday evening, general manager Kent Hughes said it was possible that the ménage à trois could continue until the end of the season.
The good news is that the three Habs goalkeepers seem to have integrated their new training routine well. During the sessions, one of the goalies rotates on the second rink of the CN Sports Complex to work with goalie coach Eric Raymond, while the other two participate in exercises with their teammates.
“Obviously, it’s easier to keep your reflexes sharp when you play more often,” Primeau admitted. But I think we do a good job with Eric and each other of pushing each other to improve.
“Having this second rink makes a huge difference,” he added. No one is busy for too long. We can work on some things and we can adjust if necessary. »
Furthermore, defenseman David Savard was back on the ice on Tuesday, after missing training the day before in favor of a day of treatments. He will be in his position against the Flyers, since St-Louis has confirmed that it will not make any changes to its lineup, other than the presence of Primeau in front of the net.
This also means that the return to play of attacker Rafaël Harvey-Pinard will wait a little longer. Harvey-Pinard trained without restrictions over the last two days.
The Quebecer who celebrated his 25th birthday on Saturday has not played since November 14 due to a lower body injury.