Coming off a hotly contested Friday night matchup with the Buffalo Sabres, the Montreal Canadiens prospects were back on the ice against the Boston Bruins. With a large group of prospects there came a few lineup changes. Jayden Struble, Ty Smilanic, Jakov Novak, Isaac Dufort, Riley McKay, Noah Laaouan, and Quentin Miller slotted in for the first time.
Xavier Simoneau wore the C for the game, with Jan Mysak and Emil Heineman serving as the alternate captains for the contest. After a wild back-and-forth affair with the Sabres, the Canadiens put together a 4-1 victory.
Across the board it was a much stronger effort, and a much more consistent showing for the Habs on Saturday
The Great
Quentin Miller: While I said Jakub Dobeš was very good in his losing effort to the Buffalo Sabres, Quentin Miller was nearly flawless against the Bruins. Admittedly, I didn’t know much about Miller prior to his selection in the draft outside of his traditional stats playing for the Quebec Remparts. I learned plenty watching him between the pipes.
His positioning was outstanding, rarely, if ever, finding himself caught out when things got hairy around his crease, Miller kept his composure to seek out the puck and slow things down. His glove was quick, and the rebounds minimal. Hard to ask more of a goalie, especially one playing under the eye of Patrick Roy.
Joshua Roy: It’s mea culpa time. I have not watched nearly enough of Joshua Roy, and in the words of Shaq, I apologize, I wasn’t familiar with your game (in person at least).
There are a lot of intricacies that don’t show up when watching a game on TV because the camera isn’t following a player who is off the puck in most cases. Roy grabbed a goal and assist on the day, which isn’t surprising to many fans who have followed his now prolific QMJHL career. What struck me the most about Roy on Friday and again on Saturday is that he has so many little deceptions in his game that make him a special prospect for the future.
Miguel Tourigny: The smaller defenceman was someone that I was intrigued by when he was drafted as an over-ager a few years ago. He had a fun showing in this showcase last year, and I thought he might earn some time in the AHL with the Laval Rocket. He opted to play a year in Slovakia, where he put together a respectable showing in 39 games.
The two games that I’ve watched featuring him so far this year have done little to temper the joy I get watching him play. He handles the puck well with defensive responsibilities in mind, tracking back well and covering plenty of space with ease. However, calling him a defenceman feels like a misnomer, because Tourigny plays like a pure rover. He’ll lead rushes, get in deep on the forecheck, and just be everywhere if it means he can get to the puck. He’ll have a year in the AHL to show he’s worthy of a full NHL deal, and he should bring plenty of zip to the Rocket.
Jayden Struble: Rock solid.
Struble missed the opening game handling what he described as a personal issue, but didn’t look behind the pace at all against Boston. His skating was fantastic, and his decision-making was dialed in when pinching in for pucks. Along the boards his physicality was apparent, powering through opponents or using his frame to shield the puck while keeping the play moving.
He grew into his role with the Rocket very quickly last year, and I could easily see him rising up their lineup again this year too.
Honourable Mentions
Logan Mailloux: I was one of many to point out the issues that Mailloux had on Friday night against Buffalo, and I will also be happy to point out that his second game was miles better in many facets. Perhaps adding Jayden Struble as his partner helped settle him, or maybe it was just the rust being shaken off, but the first-round pick looked much more composed on Saturday.
He was quicker to commit to actions, not allowing himself to get caught in no man’s land on plays, and was far more willing to use his teammates to create plays. Even when he did get into some trouble, he was able to identify a safety valve and make play with the puck, and on one occasion that led to a Jan Mysak goal.
Jan Mysak: Speaking of Mysak, he looks to have gained a step since last year and it shows. With the A on his sweater again, Mysak had a very productive day on the second line tallying an assist on Cedrick Guindon’s goal and a marker for himself.
While he sometimes overskated plays on Friday, Mysak was more direct with his actions, opting for smart shots and passes to create opportunities. He has had a difficult few years between COVID and injuries slowing down his development, so Mysak needed a good start to claim his spot in a crowded AHL lineup. This game was a great showing of what he can do, and hopefully will do with the Rocket this upcoming season.
The entire Canadiens team played extremely well on Saturday. Top to bottom, it’s hard to find any real nitpicks to be annoyed with. Christopher Ortiz was a pleasant surprise with the puck on his stick. While he’ll spend plenty of time with the Lions in the ECHL, he could be a surprise for the Rocket at some point as well.
Cedrick Guindon doesn’t have a ton of sizzle to his game, but he effectively goes about his business. With both he and Colby Barlow returning to the Owen Sound Attack this year, he’s in line for a huge breakout season following his point-per-game showing last year.
The Habs prospects will be back on Monday afternoon, taking on the Ottawa Senators at 1:30 PM to wrap up their tournament, and it’s sure to be a fiery affair after last year’s contest.
