KANATA - The Canadiens held an optional skate at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday morning ahead of their game against the Senators.
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Interim head coach Dominique Ducharme, forward Jonathan Drouin and defenseman Jeff Petry spoke with reporters via Zoom to preview the matchup.
Here are a few highlights from their respective chats:
Ducharme on the challenge the Senators present:
We aren't the only ones who've struggled against them this year. They've also won games. They had success against Calgary and Toronto. That team works hard. They have good work habits. We have to play the right way. We have to respect our game plan and our structure. Managing the game well will be important. That's what we want to do against every team.
Video: Ducharme on how to approach game vs. Sens
Ducharme on the plan with respect to goaltending moving forward:
We have an idea of how we want to use our guys. I think you can put a plan in place, but you always need to revisit that plan or adjust that plan as it goes along. You need to feel your team, you need to feel every individual, their energy level, the way they're playing and so on. With the long break, we wanted to make sure that Jake was back in the net and not spending too long without playing. For us, it was either tonight or Saturday, so he's going tonight.
Drouin on why the Senators have caused the Canadiens some trouble so far this season:
It's not only us. Calgary had trouble against them last week. They work hard. You know what's going to happen when you play them. They forecheck a lot and get back fast defensively. There are no easy games in our division. We've seen the way they battle. They have a good coach and a good system. We have to be ready every game against a team like that.
Video: Drouin on Suzuki's confidence
Drouin on the play of Nick Suzuki, who is dealing with some adversity:
I like the way he's playing. After the way he played in the playoffs last year, other teams know that Nick is one of our best players. He controls the puck well and he enjoys making plays. Teams will often try and get him off his game. He'll learn to deal with that over time. We liked the way our line played last game. We didn't put up any points, but it was a big win for our group.
Petry on his partnership with fellow blueliner Brett Kulak and why it works:
I think our skating ability is both of our biggest assets. That's offensively, defensively, closing, killing plays, it all starts from there. He's doing a really good job at that, using what he does best and using that in an effective way.
Video: Petry on power play units
Petry on sticking to his routine with a busy schedule ahead:
It's a balance of everything. Sleep and rest are probably the most important. The time in the gym will be a little bit less than normal, but I like to get in there and do a little bit of something, just to make sure I still have that pop in my legs and the strength that's going to be needed coming down the stretch.
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