While young Lane Huston is gaining ground on the Canadian’s power play, veteran Mike Matheson is necessarily used less on the power play. However, there is no question for the Quebec defender of creating a stir.
• Also read: For Patrik Laine’s first goal, I was there
• Also read: Laine’s humility applauded by Martin St-Louis
“There is no rivalry and I am here to help him as best as I can,” said Matheson, speaking of Hutson after training on Wednesday in Brossard. I will always be the best teammate possible, because it is the success of the team that is most important.
Matheson, 30, has seen others. As head coach Martin St-Louis pointed out, his veteran behaves like a true professional.
“Like a pro,” said St-Louis, when asked about Matheson’s reaction to the current situation. Obviously, Matheson is a competitor and he will continue to play as best he can. We need him.”
For the good of the club
St-Louis does not see this as a disavowal of Matheson who, since the start of the season, has been the defender most used by the Canadian with more than 24 minutes per game on average.
“It’s not a punishment,” St-Louis said. As a coach, you sometimes make decisions that help the whole [de l’équipe]. Mike plays a lot of minutes. By using Hutson more on the power play, maybe we can manage that.”
“I’m here to do the best I can in the role I’m given,” added Matheson.
Veteran’s Support
Standing by Matheson’s locker, the 20-year-old Hutson agreed it was much easier for him to feel comfortable knowing the veteran understood and dealt with the situation.
“He’s fantastic, he’s a veteran who supports me,” said Hutson, adding that the two players often exchange information on what they see on the ice. He’s such a good player.”
Photo Martin Chevalier
Beyond the presence of Hutson, the Canadian’s power play is also transformed by the return to the game of forward Patrik Laine. His first goal with the Montreal club was scored on a power play on Tuesday evening in the 2-1 overtime victory against the New York Islanders.
“You see that Patty is very comfortable, he knows where to go, emphasized St-Louis. The other teams respect him and that helps all the players on the ice. It opens the game.”
Since the start of the season, the Canadian comes to 15e rank in the NHL [sur 32 équipes]with an efficiency rate of 21.5% on the numerical superiority. It will now be interesting to see this performance evolve in the coming days, starting with Thursday evening in Montreal, when the Nashville Predators are the visitors.
With all my heart to the Gaudreau family
Teammate of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau when he played in the NCAA, Mike Matheson was naturally very touched by the ceremony organized before the match between the Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tuesday evening, in Calgary, in the presence of many members of the bereaved family.
“It’s so sad to see the whole family, who has to go through these difficulties,” reacted Matheson on Wednesday, showing enormous compassion for their father Guy, whom he knew during his time with the Eagles of the College of Boston.
An emotional ceremony honoring Johnny Gaudreau in Calgary –
“As a father, I can’t even imagine the feeling he can feel,” said the Montreal Canadiens defender. Having played with Johnny and Matthew, it’s still difficult for me to accept what happened, even though I wasn’t directly involved either. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for them.”
Brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau tragically died last August in New Jersey when they were hit by a driver while riding their bike.
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