The Habs are making their annual pilgrimmage to Quebec City, this time to take on the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. The game will be a first in a Canadiens uniform for Alexandre Alain, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the club in April. The 21-year-old is excited to be able to finally show what he's made of to management and the coaching staff.
"Everyone has something to prove, everyone's here for a reason. There's a lot of healthy internal competition. I'm going to play to my strengths, my game won't change," explained Alain, who noted that playing in his hometown makes the tilt all the more meaningful. "Just to play in the Canadiens uniform, that's already special, but to do it at home in front of my family and friends is extra motivation."
Michael Chaput wants to keep impressing
Another player who wants to keep his stint with the Canadiens alive is gritty forward Michael Chaput, who wants to build on a strong performance in Monday night's win over the Devils.
"I want to do the same thing I did last game, which is to bring intensity on every shift. Tonight is a new game and I have to prove myself all over again, shared Chaput, who said he's aware of the fact that there are others knocking on the door for roster spots with the big club this season. "It's training camp, there are lots of guys fighting for their spot. It's normal to see such high-level competition."
Xavier Ouellet wants in
In addition to centerman Matthew Peca, defenseman Xavier Ouellet will be suiting up for a second game in as many nights. No. 61 appreciates that he's being thrown into as much game action as possible.
"The more chances I have to prove myself, the better it is for me. I want to show I can be consistent night in, night out," said Ouellet, who was the third-most used defenseman on Wednesday against the Panthers and demonstrated a healthy dose of confidence on the ice. "It's a new challenge and a change of scenery which I think will be beneficial for me. I really like the system we're using so it's been helping me with the transition."
Thursday night's contest will also mark veteran Joel Ward's debut in a Habs uniform. The former member of the Sharks, Capitals and Wild confided he's had a rather unusual summer this time around.
"It was a different off-season. When you know you can play, you have to wait for an opportunity so I'm appreciative of this opportunity with the Canadiens. When you play hockey for a living, you can't take it for granted," affirmed Ward, who was offered a professional tryout by the team earlier this week.
What's more, Ward will get to face his former team in his first game with Montreal.
"It's always fun to play your old team. I still have some good friends over there, so it'll be fun," he concluded. "For myself, I'll have to pay attention to detail, but I'll also have to have fun."
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City.
