Montreal Canadiens Coach Reflects on Milestone
As the Montreal Canadiens prepared to face off against the Dallas Stars on Thursday, the team’s head coach, Martin St-Louis, reflected on his journey ahead of his milestone 300th game at the helm. In a candid interview with French sports outlet RDS, St-Louis discussed his tenure with one of hockey’s most historic franchises, which began with a record of 125 wins, 136 losses, and 39 overtime losses.
St-Louis on Success and Team Development
Despite his accomplishments, St-Louis displayed commendable humility, stating,
“What’s succeeding? I haven’t done anything yet.”
He emphasized that success, in his eyes, will be measured by the organization’s state when he departs, rather than immediate results. While he expressed satisfaction with the team’s development, he acknowledged it’s premature to claim ultimate success.
Team Performance and Expectations
Turning to his team’s current performance, St-Louis noted they have defined clear expectations for themselves and are progressing while tuning out external pressures. He highlighted the collaborative nature of their improvement, stressing that it’s not about a single standout player but rather a team effort that has led to their current position.
Spotlight on Players
In discussing Cole Caufield, St-Louis expressed pride in the young forward’s evolution, pointing out significant growth since his early days in the league. He underscored that while Caufield continues to score, his ability to navigate various matchups and play a comprehensive 200-foot game marks him as a true hockey player.
St-Louis also took time to commend his captain, Nick Suzuki, for both his on-ice skills and burgeoning leadership qualities. The 26-year-old has not only embraced his role but has also developed his own leadership style, contributing positively to team dynamics.
Conclusion
Despite the brevity of the interview, it offered insights into St-Louis’ philosophy and his commitment to fostering a resilient and adaptive team culture. Fans will look forward to his journey as he reaches this notable coaching landmark amidst the ongoing NHL season.
