CANDIAC, Que. – After waiting for months, Habs fans finally hear the sounds they’ve been waiting for: NHL players’ skates on the ice.
The messy NHL talks are over, and Monday, several NHL players were on the ice in Candiac, working out and trying to get in game shape as quickly as possible.
The season is expected to begin in about 12 days.
“It’s going to be difficult,” said Guillaume Latendresse. “We’re used to a one-month training camp, now we’re just a week – going to difficult for groins and all those things.”
When asked if they had a message for frustrated fans, the players used the ‘s’ word.
“We are sorry,” said Travis Moen, “but there are a lot of fans that don’t want to hear that.”
On the street, reaction was mixed.
“Sorry for what?” asked one Montrealer.
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Another told Global News, “This is a business after all.”
Most Montrealers we spoke to say they are still angry.
Some plan to send a message to the league.
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“I’m not going to purchase any NHL memorabilia, let’s put it that way,” said one fan.
“I’m going to enjoy it for my enjoyment but I’m not going to give them anything.”
Players are confident they will lure back the fans with exciting play.
“We’re going to work our butts off and make you guys happy,” said Brandon Prust.
Players are hoping that the bad vibes will go away.
“You can’t dwell on it, it’s done.” said Mathieu Darche. “It’s done, now for the sake of the fans, we have to get a good game going.”
If there is one Habs player who is concerned about being in the game, it’s Captain Brian Giona.
His 2011-2012 season was injury riddled. He missed the second half of the season and hasn’t played a game at the Bell Centre in close to 12 months.
After being asked how soon he could be in game shape, Gionta replied, “We’ll find out, I haven’t played in a year.”
With the shortened season set to kick off, the Habs have another injury concern.
Top centerman Tomas is apparently recovering from an upper body injury and may miss the opening game.
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