Among the things going well for the Canadian is the fourth line made up of Lucas Condotta, Emil Heineman and Joel Armia.
Over the last three games, this is the unit that has had the lowest Corsi index (shots allowed) among the team's four lines, according to the specialist site Natural Stat Trick.
There is some interesting chemistry that has developed between these three players who seem mismatched, but who ultimately complement each other very well.
“Armia is a big guy who has a good shot, Heineman skates quickly and Condotta is responsible and he plays physical,” said Martin St-Louis, Friday noon, specifying that he was not yet thinking about the decisions he would have to make. take when Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Patrik Laine are back.
Limited time
For Heineman, it's an adjustment since he played on a more offensive line in Laval where he got more ice time last year. This year, he played an average of 10:21 in 18 games.
“For any player in his situation, it’s an adjustment not to play 15 minutes,” recognizes St-Louis. If you play seven, play seven good ones, maybe you'll play eight next game. You have to force your coach to give you more.”
Heineman points out, however, that when he arrived in Sweden's elite league, he was mainly confined to defensive duties.
“The year I signed, I mostly played on the fourth unit and we did a good job, kind of like what we're doing now. We create a lot of chances, we win pucks and I feel comfortable in this role. I also find that the forecheck is an advantageous situation for creating opportunities in addition to defending by quickly recovering pucks.
Defensive, but not only
When we mention to Heineman that he plays in a primarily defensive trio, he hesitates, he believes that it is more than that.
“Yes, we have a more defensive role, but it's mainly in the way we play,” he mentioned, referring to the caution they must display in their game. I have the impression that we play the same way, regardless of the situation.
“Anyway, playing with energy and winning pucks is part of my style and I like to create offense from broken plays and disrupt the opponent's exits from the zone.”
It's ultimately a bit of the same method he applied to Laval last season, where he collected 15 goals and 14 assists in 48 games.
Play big
Heineman, who is 6' 2'' and 198 lbs, has an average physique for the NHL, but that doesn't stop him from having a very physical style of play. You can leave behind the prejudices that North Americans often have compared to European players.
“He’s a very good player who is very physical in addition to having a good shot,” underlines Lucas Condotta.
“To be physical, you have to bring rhythm and that brings strength and it brings you closer to physical situations more quickly,” analyzes Martin St-Louis for his part.
Heineman was able to get used to the rugged play in the American League last year, but it's a facet of the game he already loved.
“It's always been part of my game. I don't want to hit just to hit, but I want to do it to win pucks, to have a goal. I like to play with intensity and be combative to get the puck.”
