What got into Rafaël Harvey-Pinard?
Rafael Harvey-Pinard did not have the start of the season he expected. The young Quebecer has only accumulated five points, including two goals, in 14 games since the beginning of the season.
The Jonquière native has left many hungry for more offence, including himself. He works very hard during games and he believes that it will pay off eventually.
"It's true that I'm not satisfied and that I want to contribute more to the team's success," conceded Harvey-Pinard just before the Rocket left for Toronto on Tuesday. But at the same time, I work hard, I have chances to score. I think it's really a matter of time before it all comes together. It just takes one good hit and then you're gone."
He admitted that he has been a victim of a lack of opportunism and confidence since the start of the 2021-2022 campaign.
"I think I've kept the same identity as last year," he said today when asked about managing his time in the opposition zone. Whenever I get a chance, I go to the front of the net, I go to the corners. Again, it's just a matter of opportunism, to keep going to those spots. It's sure to pay off at some point."
"Maybe there's a little bit of a lack of confidence around the net to make it happen. In hockey, it's all about confidence. It takes one and then it's gone," he reiterated.
He was also asked if the departure of his trio partners from last year has affected his offensive performance.
"It's true that we lost some good veterans, but we went out and got some others too. I'm thinking of [Danick] Martel, [Jean-Sbastien] Dea, guys who have experience too. And I played a few games with them. It didn't change my way of playing. No matter who I play with, I want to show up and give my 100%. It hasn't changed who I am," insists the 2019 seventh-round pick.
Harvey-Pinard has a great work ethic, so I'm not worried about him at all. He'll find his offensive rhythm soon.
He was one of Joël Bouchard's favorites, certainly, but perhaps Jean-François Houle has a different view of using Harvey-Pinard. He is used less on the power play than last year. His usage time has gone from 2:06 to 1:41 since last year.
Anyway, let's hope RHP's goal on Wednesday night gives him a dose of confidence!
