Stress of enjoying in Canadiens' group drives Anthony Richard

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Final summer time when he was a free agent, Anthony Richard stated a number of organizations got here calling. However after enjoying greater than 400 AHL video games in U.S. markets, he had eyes on just one group.

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The Canadiens.

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And it was partly based mostly on his playoff expertise final season, when Syracuse was eradicated by Laval within the North Division semifinal.

“Once I signed right here, an enormous a part of it was coming again residence, with just a little little bit of strain on my shoulders,” the Trois-Rivières native stated Thursday morning, after scoring three targets and two assists Wednesday within the Rocket’s 6-3 victory over the Toronto Marlies. “The video games are (televised), the media’s right here. Typically it may be just a little an excessive amount of for a man, however I used to be trying ahead to having just a little strain to play nicely. Typically once you play within the States it’s just a little bit completely different. The video games aren’t as intense.

“Taking part in on this ambiance, I believe it brings out the very best in your self. The (Canadiens) administration is throughout the road nearly. They’re at all times watching. I do know the followers in Montreal will be onerous generally. Even in Laval they’re passionate.”

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The five-point recreation was the primary of Richard’s profession at any degree and elevated his team-leading totals to 29 targets and 65 factors in 59 video games. It was a productive night time for his linemates as nicely. Centre Mitchell Stephens, who performed 27 video games with Detroit final season, had two targets, whereas Rafaël Harvey-Pinard had 5 assists. Goalie Cayden Primeau confronted 42 pictures.

“He’s having a very good season,” Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle stated of Richard. “Numerous targets, a number of factors. He’s thrilling to look at play. He’s a pivotal participant for us this yr. He has scored some huge ones. With out these targets you possibly can’t win many video games. For certain he’s essential.”

Whereas Houle by no means would characterize one participant as his greatest, he did throw reward Richard approach on Thursday.

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“He’s fairly gifted,” Houle admitted, whereas additionally mentioning Harvey-Pinard and Jesse Ylönen. “However with a purpose to win, it takes the entire crew. All people’s received their completely different jobs. One among his jobs is to attain targets. From the start of the yr he has been our factors man. That’s why he’s on the ability play and will get a number of ice time. There’s added strain that comes with that. He’s taken it in stride and has been a pivotal participant for us this yr.”

Richard, 26, was a fourth-round (one hundredth total) draft alternative of Nashville in 2015, however solely performed two video games for the Predators. As an alternative, he bounced across the AHL, enjoying for Milwaukee, Chicago and Syracuse, by no means scoring greater than 24 targets and 47 factors. And that got here 5 seasons in the past.

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Whereas it appeared the NHL was in his rear-view mirror, Montreal accidents prompted a promotion this season. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound Richard performed 13 video games over two separate stints for the Canadiens, scoring three targets and 5 factors, together with targets in consecutive March video games towards Pittsburgh and Florida.

“It was my dream someday to play for the Canadiens,” stated Richard, who signed a one-year, two-way contract on July 13 — the opening day of free company — that pays US$300,000 with Laval. “I didn’t know if that supply would come later in my profession, so I jumped on it and I’m actually glad I selected Montreal.

“In my thoughts I used to be 25 (when the season began) and I misplaced a yr with COVID. In my thoughts I used to be nonetheless younger. I nonetheless have some good hockey left. I really feel assured for the following couple of years. Clearly that is the very best I’ve performed. I’ve at all times been a powerful offensive man, however this yr clearly is the very best I’ve performed total.”

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Houle stated Richard was Syracuse’s greatest participant within the playoffs, including he urged administration to signal him. Houle likes Richard’s pace, his means to anticipate performs and the way robust he’s to defend. This season he has labored with Richard to enhance his defensive recreation whereas turning into extra bodily.

“He’s one of many guys we pinpointed,” Houle stated. “It labored out in our favour this yr to have him on our crew.”

Laval has received seven of its final eight video games, opening a three-point cushion over Cleveland for the division’s remaining playoff spot. The Rocket ends its common season Friday at residence towards Syracuse, whereas the Monsters have three weekend highway video games. Laval can clinch Friday with a win and Cleveland loss. In any other case, Houle and the gamers could have a nervous weekend, watching and ready to study their destiny.

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