The Bell Center was on fire after a crucial victory for the Montreal Canadiens against the Vancouver Canucks, but it was during the press conference that followed that Martin St-Louis really made an impression.
In a response filled with wisdom and humility, he offered a rare moment, which gave goosebumps to those who listened to him.
The subject? A comment from Kaiden Guhle, saying the locker room wanted to win for their coach. St. Louis’ response? A statement that perfectly sums up his unique approach to the leadership of the CH coach.
Asked about Guhle’s comments, which showed limitless admiration for his coach, St-Louis did not take the opportunity to flatter his ego or draw the spotlight on him.
Instead, he refocused the speech on the very essence of his work: the team.
“I don’t want them to play for me. I want them to play for each other. »
This video clip gives us goosebumps.
These words, simple but powerful, convey the authenticity of St-Louis. He’s not looking to be the star of the story; its role is to build a united group, ready to fight together, to overcome challenges together.
In a sport where individuals can often overshadow the collective, St-Louis recalls the importance of a connected team, of a collective attitude that breaks down egos and individual expectations.
St-Louis embodied this philosophy throughout the evening, both on the bench and in his post-match comments.
The overtime victory, snatched thanks to captain Nick Suzuki, not only allowed the Canadian to climb into the playoff picture; she also showed a team full of courage.
After a solid first period, the Canadian suffered a brutal fall in the second, conceding two goals in just 20 seconds.
Where many teams would have foundered, the CH, faithful to the state of mind advocated by its coach, responded with force.
Three unanswered goals, including two scored by young talents like Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson, got the team back on track.
St. Louis’ comments after the game also demonstrated his unique understanding of process and collective effort. P
Rather than talking about heroic gestures or moments of grace, he insisted on simplicity and repetition.
“It’s not a play that’s going to get us back into the game. It’s just continuing to do simple things, over and over. »
This emphasis on process, on not looking for shortcuts, was key to the team’s comeback in this game.
St-Louis also emphasized that it is not a single action, but an overall attitude that allows a team to triumph through difficult times.
If St-Louis led brilliantly from the bench, it was on the ice that its players put its lessons into practice.
Lane Hutson, the young prodigy, led the charge with three points, including a valuable assist on the winning goal.
Kirby Dach, always combative, capitalized on the power play to equalize, while Kaiden Guhle, who had offered this memorable quote about his coach, showed that he was a top defender.
These individual performances, put at the service of the collective, perfectly illustrate what St-Louis wishes to instill in its players.
It’s by playing for each other that the Canadian got into the playoff race, and it’s this mentality that could keep them there.
Listening to St-Louis talk about resilience and collective dedication, it’s hard not to think of public figures who, in recent years, have sought to shine alone rather than unite.
St-Louis reminds us that true leadership is measured in humility and the ability to inspire.
In this sense, St-Louis provides a lesson in courage and authenticity that goes beyond the framework of hockey.
With this victory, the Canadian is not only taking a step towards the playoffs; it also sends a clear message. This team, often relegated to the status of a simple rebuilding project, is becoming a force to be reckoned with.
And this is largely thanks to a coach who does not just dictate strategies, but who teaches values and a state of mind.
St-Louis, with its calm and determination, showed that it is possible to transform a team without big flamboyant speeches or angry gestures to whip up the troops.
His measured approach, focused on process and collective effort, is starting to bear fruit.
As the Canadian prepares for his next challenges, the road still seems long. But with a leader like Martin St-Louis, the supporters have every reason to believe. C
his team, young and hungry, plays not only for itself, but also to embody the values of resilience and solidarity dear to its coach.
And if tonight proved one thing, it’s that no matter the challenges, no matter the obstacles, the Montreal Canadiens are ready to fight.
Not for Martin St-Louis, but for everyone. And that’s all the difference.
It smells like series.
