Gathered on the same trio with the New York Rangers, Quebecers Alexis Lafrenière and Samuel Blais are already making sparks.
On Thursday night, the two young men amassed two points each in a 3-1 win over the Nashville Predators. (see the highlights in the video above). In the first half, they started the clash by being complicit in the success of their trio companion Filip Chytil.
“It gave us confidence,” Blais said during the press conferences that followed the match. I think we scored on our first or second appearance of the game. I think there are three of us guys who can play with the puck. We use our speed and I think we are dangerous. ”
Then in the last third, Lafrenière accepted a stint from his compatriot and scored the winning goal.
“I like to be on the ice when the game is tight. It was a good game tonight [jeudi]It was very physical, said the first overall pick in the 2020 draft. In the third period, we knew what we had to do. It was a great game from Adam Fox and Blais. I was lucky enough to score. ”
The emergence of Blais
Acquired from the St. Louis Blues last July, Blais has impressed since joining the “Blueshirts”. It must also be said that this is the first time in his career in the National Hockey League (NHL) that he has been allowed to play a more offensive role.
“He’s been in the league for a little while now, but he’s been mostly used on a fourth row in St. Louis, a little bit on the third, but he’s got really good hands and he’s a power forward,” he said. said Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant. I think he will become more and more confident as he plays with us. ”
“He’s getting some opportunities on our second power play wave and I think the kid is excited and very happy right now,” added the driver.
Coach confidence
For his part, Blais is convinced that he can have an offensive impact in the Bettman circuit.
“When I played in the junior, I was an offensive player, said the native of Montmagny. When I arrived at the pros, I understood that every player was talented [offensivement]. So I tried to add something else to my game and to play physical, but I still have my offensive skills. ”
“Here, I think the coaches allow me to do more,” he added. It’s huge for me to have the confidence of my coaches. When you have that, it’s a lot easier to play. ”
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