(New York) Learning was one of the recurring themes of the 2022-2023 season at the Canadiens, especially among rookie players.
This materialized in different ways. Justin Barron, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Jesse Ylönen spent a few months in the American League. Arber Xhekaj, Johnathan Kovacevic and Jordan Harris started the campaign in Montreal, but the coaching staff juggled their ice time. At the start of the calendar, they sometimes skipped matches. Juraj Slafkovsky and Kaiden Guhle, for their part, were sent straight into the spotlight, unceremoniously — especially Guhle, in fact.
Sean Farrell arrived in a totally different context. When he first met his teammates at the end of March, there were only eight games left to play. At this point in the season, training is more rare. The team is tired, worn out.
The learning framework, therefore, had to be invented as we went along. Just think of his first game, played without ever having skated with NHL players.
So that’s Farrell on day 16 of his life with the Habs. The development work, with him, came down to six full practices and six match morning practices. These are not used to integrate new concepts, but to untie the legs of those who will play in the evening.
The 21-year-old striker also played four games, during which, without harming his team, he above all did his best against a much tougher competition than the one he faced a few days ago, in the NCAA.
Head coach Martin St-Louis then took him out of the lineup for two games. However, he will be in uniform on Wednesday night, in Long Island, against the Islanders.
Consistently since the start of the season, St. Louis has emphasized the value of games watched from “above” on the press gallery. Several players, including Kaiden Guhle, have confirmed that they relish the prospect, although it usually comes because of bad news – an injury or withdrawal from the lineup.
A total of 100% of players who have played in the NHL to date said speed of play was the biggest difference from lower ranks. Being “upstairs” therefore allowed Farrell to assess how best to adapt.
“I focused on the execution,” he explained Wednesday morning. I wanted to see how the guys find space on the ice, how they separate themselves from their roofer to reach the free spots. From above, you can see how the game is developing. »
To see it is one thing. Putting it into practice is another. Farrell will have to put his new learning into action in a game situation against the New York Islanders, a team that wants to use this game to confirm its place in the playoffs. The challenge is big.
“I can’t do it all at once,” he said soberly. I try to take it little by little. It allows me to measure my progress. »
Progress, Farrell says he has already made in his decision making in possession of the puck. Both in the decisions themselves and in the reaction time.
“Being able, under pressure, to find the guys and put the puck in places where they can get it is very important,” he said. I see the openings better. »
Martin St-Louis confirms that he finds his colt more comfortable on the ice, in matches and in training. Although the amount of information Farrell has been able to absorb in a short time is limited, it will better guide his summer preparation for next season, he believes. “It’s only positive for him, for what will come next. »
It is Samuel Montembeault who will face the Islanders, and we can immediately predict that he will also face the Boston Bruins on Thursday at home. Jake Allen made the trip with the team and trained for just 20 minutes on Wednesday morning. His last game was March 28, and he didn’t take part in a full practice in April. He will nevertheless be Montembeault’s deputy in New York.
Joel Teasdale will play his first NHL game on Wednesday night. He admitted to having “trouble falling asleep” the night before, and dealing with a lot of nervousness as the big moment approached. “I just want to show that I can play in this league,” he said. Do the small details, which I do well. Turning in his bed, he thought above all of his first presence. “I want to try to keep it simple. If it goes well, the rest of the game will go well. »
