Every two weeks, we look back at notable Quebec performances delivered in the NHL during this period. Today we cover the matches played from November 13-26.
“PLD” at the top
Heavily criticized for underperforming in a Los Angeles Kings uniform after signing a lucrative contract last season, Pierre-Luc Dubois seems to be enjoying the fresh start he is getting this year with the Washington Capitals.
After going through a period of adaptation at the start of the calendar, the 26-year-old center has just collected six points (one goal, five assists) in his last seven games.
His goal, scored last Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche, ended a drought of 12 games without scoring (watch in main video).
“It takes the lethargy out of my head, but at the same time, it’s when the chances to score stop coming that you have to worry,” he recently explained to “Hockey News”.
“Our trio played really well,” he added. It worked for Mikey [Connor McMichael, qui a 13 buts cette saison]but not for me. But it’s a team sport. We win games, we play well, our trio plays well. We have to look at the situation as a whole.”
The coach of the “Caps”, Spencer Carbery, seems to greatly appreciate the Quebecer’s contribution so far, especially since he is often used against the best opposing elements, a task which he acquits himself very well.
“I’m starting to understand how intelligent a player he is, how effective he is defensively and in his reading of the game, especially against the best players in the world,” Carbery said.
Richard shines… and returns to the American League
No, John Tortorella was not in a good mood last Saturday when the Philadelphia Flyers chose to return Anthony Richard to the American League to make room for defenseman Cam York, who was returning from an injury.
Because Richard, recalled at the beginning of the month, had accumulated two goals and four assists for six points in seven games. Once again, the 27-year-old Quebecer showcased his speed and offensive flair at the NHL level. And once again, he was the victim of the kind of injustice that characterized his last seasons in professional hockey.
“It’s really difficult,” the Flyers head coach told phillyhockeynow.com.
“It has nothing to do with his game, but we have decisions to make about who can be demoted off waivers,” he added. I hated to see him demoted.”
Tortorella revealed that he had a conversation with Richard alongside the team’s general manager, Daniel Brière.
“He did very good things for us,” insisted the coach. It’s sad [en anglais, «it sucks»] to flip it down, but that’s part of the game.”
Getty Images via AFP
Drouin returns, produces, and leaves
In the area of injustices, Jonathan Drouin is also well served. The Colorado Avalanche forward returned to action on November 15 after missing 16 games due to a lower body injury.
And he immediately did well!
In four games, the native of Sainte-Agathe has scored two goals and two assists, including a double against the Florida Panthers last Saturday.
The problem was that he was injured again that evening, returning to the same problem that had kept him out of the game a few weeks earlier.
His name is back on the injured list and Avalanche coach Jared Bednar confirmed his case will be re-evaluated every week.
A first goal in 2024-2025 for Jonathan Drouin –
The double for Drouin! –
Honorable mentions
– After a very slow start to the season, Yanni Gourde (Seattle Kraken) has four points in his last six games.
– Samuel Montembeault (Montreal Canadiens) remains dependent on the defensive efforts deployed in front of him, but when his teammates do the work, he does not let them down. His shutout last Monday against the Edmonton Oilers was further proof of this.
– Zachary L’Heureux continues his very good debut in the NHL with Nashville, now counting five points in 17 games. He also made Timo Meier of the Devils lose his temper, who would do better to calm his nerves.
