Big thank you to u/Armoured_Kitten for helping me with today's presser
St-Louis Segment
[Armoured_K] MSL on if he has a role ready for Texier
"I don't know. I don't know yet."
[Armoured_K] MSL on if he'll play the PK
"I don't know. I don't know yet how he'll play, with who. No idea. We'll see."
[Armoured_K] MSL on what department they need the most help in
"I don't know if we need help in any department. It's just about getting consistency in every department.
[Armoured_K] MSL on calling up Engstrom instead of Del Gaizo for their 7th D on the road. Does he intend to play him?
"I don't know yet. It's hard not to callup Adam, because he's excelling right now. So, to acclimate him to the team… Does that mean he'll play? I don't know."
[Armoured_K] MSL on if the intensity from the Leafs game can be something they bring every game
"Well, that's what you try to have every game, knowing it'll be hard to have that in every game. And I don't think you need exactly that to win games. You have to find ways to win games. Sometimes, you win it with your energy and speed, sometimes, you win it with your intelligence, being calculated. There's different ways, but when you have your legs, the energy, that attitude, and you have the execution and intelligence behind that, then you're very hard to go against. As a coach, I would for sure love to have that every game."
[Armoured_K] MSL on Juraj Slafkovsky. When he plays like he plays like he did, does it make him want even more? Does he always push his standards like that?
"For sure. They're his standards, which we're trying to help him keep there. I said it the other day, the last box to check for young players is consistency, and we're trying to help him get that."
[Armoured_K] MSL on Bolduc not scoring, but having many opportunities in the last game. Is that the type of game he was expecting from him when he put these guys together? It looks like it's starting to click
"Yeah, I find that he had a lot of touches, and I'd say that like the rest of our team, we played well. He played well, like the rest of the team. When the players are playing well individually, it's rare that the collective game isn't part of that. The execution, and the balance on the ice… So, I'd say that yes, I liked what I saw, that's for sure. When you have a lot of touches, it's a reflection of where you're going on the ice, why you're going there. It's encouraging."
[Armoured_K] MSL on if he feels like that win took some pressure off of their backs
"Yeah, for sure… I'd say that it's sure that the win feels good, but it's about HOW, the actions we did on the ice that I appreciate a lot more than just getting a win. Of course, we needed a win, but the way we did it, it's encouraging."
[Pengu] MSL on his view of looking at the schedule at the beginning of the season and seeing the very demanding schedule, playing something like 16 games in 28 days starting Wednesday
If you look at it that way, it could be very overwhelming. We have three games this week? [Chantal: Yes] [Reporter: 3 games in 4 days] That's kind of what- you know? I look at it that way. Then I move on to the next week. It's easy to get lost when you look at it like this. It can be very overwhelming. You're right. It's a condensed schedule this year I think we know-. [Reporter: [Unintelligible reporter noises reporters talked over each other] in terms of you're going to be playing at a frequency that's not-] So what do you want me to do in terms of planning? [Reporter: Managing energy, having extra guys come in and out of the line up? I don't know. Are you going to do anything? Do you look at it in a short way?] I look at it in a short way? I'm trying to win a game on wednesday, right? And ideally, we win all these games and the ice time is spread out nice and easy, so we can have energy for the next game. [Reporter: more unintelligible mumbling] That's what I mean! I don't know! Like, I don't know, are we going to have to overtax guys because we took too many penalties? Are there going to be injuries? I don't know. So like, you guys are asking me questions that's really hard for me to answer. I'm like, I'm getting on the plane, I want to get dinner, and I'm going to focus about tomorrow tomorrow. And then Wednesday, I'm going to focus about Wednesday on Wednesday. I know that, ideally, that I could be so calculated to a T, but it doesn't make sense to do that because things can change like that [snaps fingers]. So you spend all that energy and then things change like that [snaps fingers]. So, I'm just trying to stay day-to-day. I know we have three games this week and I'm going to focus on Utah and I'm going to move forward after that.
[Pengu] MSL on how he mentioned that consistency is the hardest thing for a young player and how Kapanen seems to be very consistent so far and if he is ahead of where other young players are when it comes to that part of the game
Yeah. I would say so. He's very consistent. I think his computer helps him to be consistent.
[Pengu] MSL on if that means he's more comfortable with him on the kid line as he's the oldest guy on that line at 22
Is he? Yeah, I feel [Kapanen] has allowed me to not protect, like [Demidov] against other teams. It's also [Demidov] that showed me that he can be trusted out there on both sides. But I think [Kapanen] helps that a lot. Because he will protect some of the stuff [Demidov] does sometimes. And I don't want [Demidov] to necessarily lose that, because I feel like [Demidov] will take some risks sometimes, but I feel it's calculated for the most part, which I think is a big difference between a calculated risk and cheating the game. But with some calculated risk, there's always a downside to that, sometimes. I feel like [Kapanen] is always in a good spot to protect that calculated risk sometimes that [Demidov] will take.
[Pengu] MSL on how all the focus on Saturday's game was on the Xhekaj brothers and their parents watching in the stands and if it was more special for himself since his dad has seen all his games at the Bell Centre
See, actually, dad was not at the game Saturday. No. Went to watch Harvard play Vermont at the old gut. Yeah. It's always nice when you can share these moments with your family. Like, to me, one of my favourite things of playing the NHL and still be in the NHL is to share that with my family. It's special.
[Pengu] Reporter: "He's not going to stay away now that you won, is he?"
[Laughter] No. I can't keep him away.
[Armoured_K] MSL on being a quarter of the way through the season. What's the biggest lesson the team should draw from the way it's gone so far?
"Biggest lesson… I mean, I feel like…. […] You just gotta earn it every day. It's a hard league. Don't take anything for granted, you know? We know what works. I would say don't take anything for granted, just get after it everyday."
[Armoured_K] MSL on Bolduc. His shot is a weapon, how can he enable himself to not only get more of them on net, but take more in general, especially playing with guys that can not only get him in position to take shots, but who are also threats themselves?
"I feel like there's timing, where you go on the ice… But I would say, for him, it's not necessarily just his shot. I think he's a good net-front guy too, like he can tip pucks, and like a tip won't reflect it's a tip, it'll say it's a shot on the stat-sheet. But for me, like it's, you're playing with those two guys, you've gotta be on the inside. Especially as a left playing with two righties. Because the righties will always like to make their plays from the left corner, that's their playmaking corner. So, if you're on the inside, you know, one timers… And the timing of when to get inside is important, and I think he's learning that a little bit. But yeah, I mean, having him being a lefty and having a good shot, I think he should have opportunities, but it's where you go on the ice, why you go there, when you go there, at what pace you go there, and do you stay there? I mean, listen, I just was watching the game yesterday, right? And in the second period, there's two pucks he could've shot, but I think the one-timer is a better shot (Passes he made to Suzuki for the one-timers). I think it's the better play. So, could you be more selfish? I don't know. Those are like… Those are the right reads. If you start telling a player 'you need to shoot more', I think you cloud their reads. I don't think it's an issue, based on the plays that he made, I don't think it's a issue, you know? Will it ever be an issue? I don't know yet, but you know, I like those reads, and I know he was in a scoring position, but I think it's the right play, what he made."
[Armoured_K] MSL on what he can tell the media about Texier, who will be eager to show what he can do as quickly as possible. Does that mean you play him as quickly as possible?
"I don't know. [Reporter: "What do you know about him?"] He's from France. [Reporter: "Thank you. Anything else?"] He played in Columbus… [Reporter: "How will he benefit your team, do you think?"] I mean, he's got a high level of skill, right? So, I think for him, he needs to get acclimated with the group. He needs to figure out how we play, collectively, on both sides of the puck, which you know, there's a process for that. So… I don't know how fast he comes into our lineup, and when he does, I don't know where he's gonna play yet. But, you know, I think we like the potential of the player, or else we wouldn't've signed him. Now, it's how we're gonna use that. I don't know yet."
[Armoured_K] MSL on how getting a guy that's already been in the League for a moment, can the team benefit from having another playing with experience (Texier)
"Yeah, experience always helps, that's for sure. And he doesn't just have experience; I think he has talent, he has qualities, and we'll get to know him. I don't know the person at all. When you ask me what I think of him, I don't know yet. And I don't like calling someone and asking for his opinion. Sometimes, that'll steer me in a direction I maybe never would've went to if someone hadn't said whatever. I'm careful not to ask everyone 'What do you think of him?'. No, I like to do my own evaluation. Now, it's a practice today, and tomorrow, we'll have another one. You start to shape your own opinion, and I think that'll help me know where to go next."
Texier Segment
[Armoured_K] Texier on what was interesting for him in joining the Habs
"I think it's everything. I think the interest they had when it ended with St-Louis, and for me, it was my number 1 option from the first day where I had their interest, so I didn't hesitate. I'm really happy. I know some of the guys here, and they're speaking my language too, so it's very cool."
[Armoured_K] Texier on what type of role he wants in the league, at this point in his career
"Honestly, whatever. I know I can play both roles (offensive and defensive). What they give me, I'll take. I played the PK, and I played the PP before. I was both in a defensive and offensive role. It doesn't matter to me, playing either one, it depends on what they give me, and I'll take it and try to do my job with it."
[Armoured_K] Texier on his first impression in his first practice, and his first contact with MSL
"Oh, really good. Just to meet the guys, the organization. I didn't see too much of the city, I only got here yesterday in the evening, but… It changes things a bit, a lot even. The medias and everything, I'll get used to it. I really look forward to it, I have a lot of excitation, and I'm ready."
[Armoured_K] Texier on where things changed between Columbus and St-Louis, considering his career was going well with the Blue Jackets, and things didn't go too well in St-Louis
"I think it's part of a career, those types of moments, and honestly, I don't really want to complain/rant about what's happened in the past year, or in Columbus. I think right now, I'm living in the present, and I'm ready to grasp my opportunity here, in an organization like this. There are moments where it didn't go too well, let's say, and it allowed me to grow and be better in my head, and learn about myself. It's part of sports, and now, I'm moving forward. I feel good right now, and that's the most important thing."
[Armoured_K] Texier on the difference between the Texier he's less satisfied with, and Texier at his best
"I think we'll see in the games, because I have all the… I feel good physically, mentally. I'm more excited than I've ever been, being here, so I look forward to playing. It'll be cool, the energy I'll have, and stay positive whatever happens. I think I've learned a lot from that (the past), being positive, and getting better on and off the ice. I just want to be myself, not worry too much, play my hockey with whatever will be given to me, and more than anything, have fun, because that's when I play by best hockey."
[Armoured_K] Texier on his perception of the Habs from the outside, and what he notices that could help him in the style, the approach, etc.
"We haven't played a lot against the Habs with St-Louis, but it's a young team that plays with a lot of speed, and I think that's part of my game, playing with speed, being intense. I think there's a good fit. I've been here a couple hours, and the guys are really cool. We're all around the same age, let's say. I feel really good, a very good welcome, and I can't wait for it to start."
[Armoured_K] Texier on if he has a specific memory about the Habs as a young guy
"I think it's not complicated, the Canadiens is the Canadiens. It's extraordinary, it's exceptional, and now, it's up to me to 'dig my hole' here and show what I can do. When I talk with my friends, especially in France, the Canadiens is something surreal, so… They'll have to come over at some point, and even for the youth in France, where French Hockey is still growing, it's important to talk about it, and… Yeah, it's all a question of opportunity, a good chance at a good time, and being able to grasp it."
Bolduc Segment
[Armoured_K] Bolduc on how they can keep the intensity as high as it was against the Leafs, considering in the first period, they probably had as many hits as the whole game against the Caps
"Yeah… I don't know if there's an answer to that. It's about showing up each game with a mentality of getting the best out of yourself. There are some nights where the situations will present themselves to you, so you can have more hits than other nights, but for my part, and for most of the guys here, it's something we want to bring; our physical side. We can do it, it's just about bringing it out on a regular basis. It's not an easy thing to do, but I think it's a lot to do with the mindset. I think it all happens in the preparation and the way you approach games."
[Armoured_K] Bolduc on if he considers Florian as a guy that can help the group have that approach
"Yeah, absolutely. When you have teammates that are implicated physically, and who bring energy in the way they play, it gives energy to the whole team, the whole bench. I think it's exciting, and Flo did a good job Saturday night, and I'm not worried that the team appreciated that and noticed that. We're really happy to have him with us."
[Armoured_K] Bolduc on if that's the key to success, not just leaving it up to the talent and having that 'pack mentality'
Yeah, absolutely, and I think that's what helps you get far into the season, and also help you go far in the playoffs. I think that's what can make the difference during a 4-7 games round. The season is long, we're learning, we're still a young team, but… We're no longer in the 'we want to grow and learn' phase. We want to live in the present and perform. We know where we're at as a group."
[Armoured_K] Bolduc on if he'll show Texier around the city
"Yeah! Yeah. We'll now, we're going on the road, but when we'll be back, we'll for sure grab dinner, and… I haven't been here that long, but I know my way around a a bit, and [I'll show him] where he can rent, the good restaurants, and everything, so… It's certain that we'll have a good drive around the city."
[Armoured_K] Bolduc on how Texier can be a good fit, in his playstyle, his age, etc.
"Yeah, exactly. He's a guy that has a good physique, good stick, he's smart with the puck. He's reliable too, he takes good decisions, so… And like you said, he fits perfectly in the group of players we have here. It's exciting, and I'm sure he's excited to join us too."
[Armoured_K] Bolduc on if he feels the last game was his best game on the first line, in terms of fitting in and having chances
"Yeah. I think the more we play together, I think you create a certain chemistry. You start to feel out where they are on the ice, where they position themselves. For my part, I want to bring my strengths. I think it went pretty well in the last game, but I think we can get to another level. It's by practicing, communicating, and continuing to push each other."
Engstrom Segment
[Pengu] Engstrom on what are the elements that he has grown the most since the start of the season
I feel like both my offensive and defensive game has grown a lot, but I feel like, for sure, my defensive game has gained a lot, like both last year and this year. I've been working hard everyday by looking at details with video and all that. For sure, my defensive game has been getting better.
[Pengu] Engstrom on the comment that it must help a lot to transition to the NHL since he's been producing so much in the AHL
[Chuckles] For sure, maybe I'll be more confident, but yeah it was a little bit nerve-wrecking when I got the call that I got called up and it was an exciting time. So, I'm just really happy to be here right now.
Evans Segment
[Pengu] Evans on if it is a myth or reality if playing with a teammate like Anderson makes a player bigger on the ice
[Laughs] Like, for me? If I'm bigger? [Reporter: You or in general. Like is it helpful to a player who is less physical to play with big guys like Josh Anderson] I don't know if it changes the way I play. If anything, I am in more scrums and rough stuff because of them. But, for me, you just have to play to their strengths and help them out, so for me, it's putting pucks in the corner and letting them go hit some guys and using their strengths to help my game out too.
[Pengu] Evans on coming into the NHL at a young age and having the confidence to staying himself versus other players who try to be anybody else when they come into the league
Just the type of player [F. Xhekaj] is. Usually when you get called up, you just try to keep things simple. And for him, that's kind of his game and it's an energy role. So I think it's a little easier transition for him and he's also a big guy who can fend off some big guys and he played a great game.
Anderson Segment
[Pengu] "Oh, no. As soon as I get home, it's with my daughter. Hands on. But yeah, we've been very fortunate with her sleep schedule. She's been amazing. My wife's been unbelievable with the night time, if she does wake up, being there. Maybe on days off, I'll be that guy. But, yeah, we've been very fortunate with her." – Anderson
[Pengu] Anderson on the confidence [F. Xhekaj] had just being himself on the ice on Saturday in his first NHL game instead of just keeping things simple and how it was for him to see that from [F. Xhekaj] as a power forward
It was great to see. He played with a lot of energy, played with some confidence, played with some swagger. Coming in, he had a lot of excitement that he played with and kept his game really simple, to be honest. He was on the forecheck, he was throwing his body around. Saturday night against the Leafs, so I bet you a lot of adrenaline was kicking in through him, so it was exciting. It was a good start and how can you repeat that, right? So, we are all definitely excited for him.