Training camp is always a wonderful time of year for hockey fans. It signals that the return of the sport we love is nigh, and fuels endless debate about how our teams may look when the puck drops for real in October. For the Montreal Canadiens this year, there are plenty of new faces, and new possibilities coming off a rather disappointing bottom-five finish last season.
One thing that certainly isn’t new, however? Cole Caufield is still automatic from anywhere he wants to be.
It goes without saying that the vast majority of the fan base don’t need to see Caufield do things like this at camp in order to be excited about his return. His shot is a well-known quantity, and he’s been seen making horrendous angles like this look easy for him even in real game situations. The good news is that he looked about as ready as one can be for the upcoming season.
Another player who looked very ready, and hungry for a lineup spot, was Lias Andersson. He was arguably the most impressive player in the first scrimmage, and looked very intent to prove himself to his new coaching staff. Playing on a line with Mitchell Stephens and Michael Pezzetta, he pounced on a rebound for the very first goal of camp, and had great energy throughout the game. He may be facing an uphill battle to earn a regular roster spot, but he definitely looked like he’s going full speed ahead to do so.
Alex Newhook may have his spot virtually guaranteed, but he still went into the second scrimmage like he had something to prove. He formed instant chemistry with Josh Anderson and Juraj Slafkovsky, and was easily the most impressive player on either side in game two. Like Andersson before him, it felt like Newhook had something to prove in that game, and if he carries that effort level with him into the season, he should be fun to watch.
Bonus Highlights!
Riley Kidney penalty shot goal.
Jake Evans from Joel Armia, with love.
Owen Beck’s relentless back checking will never get old.
Neither will Joshua Roy’s
William Trudeau, noted shootout specialist.
An absolute RIP from Jared Davidson.
Click the play button below to listen to your full Bottom Six Minutes, also available on your podcast platform of choice. We’ll return with another entry after tomorrow’s camp scrimmages.
