Michael Pezzetta would have had every reason to let himself be overcome by discouragement at a certain point this season.
Before putting on a Montreal Canadiens uniform on Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, the forward had been left out for 28 consecutive games. You had to go back to October 27 to see it in action. It was during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
It was ultimately due to the absence of Patrik Laine (flu symptoms) that Pezzetta found himself playing alongside Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook. To hear the main interested party in front of the media in the locker room after the 4-2 defeat, he was proud of the work he had accomplished and of having continued to persevere in the face of adversity.
“It was good just to be back with the guys. Everyone has been incredible. I was excited to play today, but it sure is dull with the defeat,” he commented.
“It was definitely the most difficult sequence of my career,” he admitted. I had to stay in the moment and the guys did everything to make me feel ready, both the players and the staff. It’s been a long time, but I felt good. I am proud of myself and everyone who took care of me. »
His coach Martin St-Louis was not at all concerned that his attacker found himself in the fray after such a long absence. He sent Pezzetta to the ice for just under six minutes of play (5 min 49 seconds).
“He kept it simple and he played a good game,” St-Louis first responded to a first question about his 26-year-old player.
“He looked like he played yesterday. That’s what Pezz is like, he’s a pro, a good teammate and I was happy for him that he was playing,” continued the head coach.
During his time on the ice, Pezzetta recorded three shots on goal and distributed as many hits.
“My legs felt good, actually more than I expected. I checked all the boxes to stay ready both on and off the ice,” commented Pezzetta.
We will have to see if Laine can be in uniform Saturday night for Denver against the Avalanche. Otherwise, Pezzetta will have a chance to play a fifth game this season.
