MONTREAL – When the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins in Game 7 Wednesday, the city exploded with happiness.
Habs’ fans are already dreaming of the Stanley Cup, but Habs’ players are trying to block that out.
At morning practice Friday in Brossard, the team appeared to be concentrated on their third round opponents: the New York Rangers.
“Are we satisfied? No. Have we had success? Yeah,” P.K. Subban told Global News. “I can tell you something right now – every player in this dressing room knows this will be the toughest series for us so far.”
The 25-year-old star defenceman feels the Blueshirts will be a tougher challenge than the Bruins. Rangers’ goalie Henrik Lundqvist is one of the league’s best.
“He’s got a unique style, he just battles,” Habs forward Dale Weise said. “He makes saves you wouldn’t think he’d make.”
The good news: Habs forward Alex Galchenyuk appears to be closer to a return to the lineup, as he practiced with teammates Friday.
“I’m cleared for contact,” Galchenyuk said. “Let’s go from there, whatever happens soon I’m looking forward to it.”
The Rangers are coming off an impressive come-from-behind series win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. They rallied back and won three straight games after falling behind 3-1 in the series.
Many attribute the comeback to the courage shown by star forward Martin St. Louis. His mother France died during the Pittsburgh series but he chose to stay with the team.
It’s a move that seemed to motivate the New York dressing room.
The funeral for France St. Louis takes place Sunday at noon at the Yves-Legare Funeral Complex in Laval’s Ste-Dorothee district.
The entire Rangers team is expected to attend.
Comments