(Laval) After spending several months without playing, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard had energy to spare. The head coach of the Laval Rocket, Pascal Vincent, didn’t take long to notice it.
Posted at 11:38 a.m.
Updated at 4:04 p.m.
Simon Servant
The Canadian Press
Vincent didn’t know Harvey-Pinard much, but he understood what made the 25-year-old forward stand out when he took part in the Rocket’s training at Place Bell on Tuesday morning.
Earlier in the day, the Montreal Canadiens announced that they had loaned the winger to their school club for conditioning purposes, in connection with his long-term injured status.
For a player who fractured his right leg in July and underwent surgery, Harvey-Pinard hasn’t looked rusty.
“In one training session, you see that his stick is good, that his intensity is good. You see it in his attitude. He comes here, he’s excited and he wants to play hockey. He arrives in the locker room, the guys are happy to see him, Vincent mentioned. He is here to get back in shape and he will return to Montreal eventually. »
Harvey-Pinard has obviously not played any matches this season, but his surgery has also limited his presence in training.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, ARCHIVES LA PRESSE
Rafaël Harvey-Pinard (49) during a game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Center, April 6, 2024
The Quebecer skated in a jersey prohibiting contact last month, and he trained without restriction with his Canadian teammates last week at the CN Sports Complex.
We don’t know how long Harvey-Pinard will wear the Rocket’s colors, but he is far from seeing his time in the American League as a demotion. On the contrary, he sees this as a great opportunity to get back into shape and once again show his know-how to the leaders of the Habs.
“I expected it. I was injured several times last year and it’s been a long time since I played. But I’m happy to be here. I will be able to play, get back into match form and contribute to the team’s success,” he said.
I don’t know how long I’m going to be here, but I want to take it one game at a time. I want to prove myself to go back with the Canadian and also prove to myself that I am ready to come back.
Rafael Harvey-Pinard
Unlike Vincent, Laval fans know Harvey-Pinard very well. He was one of the team’s darlings for two and a half seasons before establishing himself more regularly in the NHL.
During his recovery, the Canadian’s seventh-round pick in 2019 has somewhat followed the activities of the Rocket and his former teammates. He didn’t seem surprised to see they won 12 of their first 14 games this season, and he believes he can fit into Vincent’s philosophy very easily.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Pascal Vincent, head coach of the Laval Rocket
“It’s a team that plays both ways of the ice, that pays attention to details and that has character. These are things that make the difference. I immediately saw that the guys had fun coming to the arena,” said Harvey-Pinard. I’m a hard-working player on and off the ice. I want to stay myself and take on this leadership role that I have a little less in Montreal. »
Vincent confirmed that Harvey-Pinard will be in uniform Wednesday night, when the Rochester Americans visit Place Bell, but the head coach intends to use him in a very specific role.
I’m probably not going to use him on the power play. He is capable of doing it, but that is not what the Canadiens management wants from him in the NHL. I wouldn’t have minded breaking down my combinations, but we’re going to use it at even strength and shorthanded.
Pascal Vincent, head coach of the Laval Rocket
Harvey-Pinard collected two goals and 10 points in 45 games with the Montreal team last campaign, after scoring 14 goals in 34 games in 2022-2023.
Continue the successes of the trip
The arrival of Harvey-Pinard probably won’t hurt the Rocket, but the Habs’ farm club was already doing very well. He notably proved it during his most recent five-game trip abroad.
Vincent was eager to see what his men had in store for this stretch and they responded by winning four of the five games. It wasn’t always perfect, but the contribution of all the players was necessary for the team’s success.
“We are satisfied with the trip, but we have things to correct. The guys are playing good hockey, they are working hard and we are scoring goals at the right time. The beauty of our team is that there is always someone else to take over,” said Vincent.
During this trip, the Rocket faced the Americans twice and won both matches thanks to a sustained effort. The Laval residents expect their North Division rivals to start Wednesday’s game with confidence and they are ready to match their intensity.
“The Americans have an energetic group, and they will want to use their speed. It is a fast and very offensive club. I think we have to play like we did in the third period of the last game. We slowed them down and played our style. They will be ready to come to our arena. We have to match their energy and do our job,” said veteran defenseman Tyler Wotherspoon.
Jakub Dobes will be in front of the Rocket’s net on Wednesday, while Connor Hughes will defend the cage for his team on Friday, against the Belleville Senators. The state of health of striker Alex Barré-Boulet is still assessed daily.
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