Having previously coached Eric Staal with the Minnesota Wild, former head coach Bruce Boudreau believes the veteran’s contribution will allow the Montreal Canadiens to go far in the playoffs.
Boudreau often faced Staal when he was at the helm of the Washington Capitals, between 2007 and 2011. At that time, the athlete was one of the most dangerous center players on the tour.
So when he enjoyed a regular season in 2015-16 with the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers, Boudreau wasn’t worried. When the two joined the Minnesota Wild at the same time, for the 2016-17 campaign, the two had a good chat and Staal was given a new lease of life.
“When I was in Washington all I can remember is how good he was when we were up against Carolina,” Boudreau said in an interview for the podcast. Break time by Louis Jean. When Eric Staal was on his toes to go, we were probably in trouble. “
“I didn’t think he was slowing down [en 2015-2016]. I just think he was put in less important situations in Carolina and New York. We knew he still had plenty of it in the tank. ”
A team player
In Staal, Boudreau believes the Habs have obtained an impeccable leader who always puts the team ahead of personal success. The recipient of the Jack-Adams trophy in 2007-2008 has also told a tasty anecdote to prove it.
“In our end-of-season meetings [après la campagne 2017-2018], I asked him if he wanted to see certain things change during the next season, said Boudreau. He said, “You know what? My playing time has gone down this year, but I scored 42 goals. So I think you know what you’re doing, keep it up.” “
There was never any question, therefore, for Staal, of feeling sorry for himself. For him, only victory matters.
“In the locker room, he’s one of the biggest ‘cheerleaders’ when it comes to handing out the player of the match award, regardless of whether he himself had a good or a bad game. I always thought it was indicative of his character. As long as the team won, he was happy. ”
A long journey for the Canadian?
Boudreau also expects the veterans, whether Staal or Corey Perry, among others, will be the key to ensuring the success of the CH. He believes that the final in the North section will also pit the Canadian against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he believes in the chances of the Montreal team to triumph.
“I think Montreal, when the emotions are there, is able to skate with Toronto, which few teams can do in this league. If the Canadiens’ defense can control the Toronto forward failure, I believe the offense can go through the Toronto defense. ”
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