Rafaël Harvey-Pinard is the new favorite of Canadiens' fans
If there is one player who has fallen into the eye of analysts and fans since the beginning of the Canadiens' training camp, it's Rafaël Harvey-Pinard. The man nicknamed "RHP" has absolutely everything needed to please observers and that's why he's made such a good impression in recent weeks.
With a large number of injuries on the team, Harvey-Pinard may even have a chance to start the regular season with the big team. In addition to having an impeccable work ethic, the former Rouyn-Noranda Huskies captain has an exemplary attitude worthy of a true professional.
The proof? Rather than taking the day off on Saturday, Harvey-Pinard sat down for an interview with TVA Sports reporter Anthony Martineau, something few players would have agreed to do. During the interview, he was very touched by the fans' opinion of him.
"It is sure that it is really flattering. I try not to change my identity on the ice. You always want the fans to like you and I have to say that's good to hear. At the same time, I don't want to get too carried away, because the work isn't done."
This love from the fans is well deserved, however, as "RHP" has been so consistent in his efforts during this camp. As he himself points out, he's getting better with each game, and he was very dangerous in the offensive zone despite his team's loss on Friday.
"In my mind, it's clear that yesterday's game was better than my first. I was more threatening offensively and I won my battles along the boards. Obviously, we all would have liked a better result!"
The perfect opportunity for an evaluation
At 22 years old, Harvey-Pinard faced several guys his own age on Friday, with most of the Senators' roster under the age of 25. Most of his opponents, however, were established young players in the National League, giving him a great opportunity to compare himself to them.
"It was a good test for me," he said. "If I compare myself to the players we played yesterday, I know I'm good enough to compete. At the end of the day, though, it's up to the organization and I'm going to play where they tell me to."
Whether that place is in the NHL or the AHL, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard will have given a great taste of what he is, and will be, capable of doing at the next level. All that remains is to see what decision the Habs staff will make in his case, but one thing is certain, this young man is destined for a great future.
Source : TVA Sports
