Ducharme: 'We expect a long battle'

BROSSARD - The Canadiens held an off-ice workout at the Bell Sports Complex on Friday morning.

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Following the session, forwards Corey Perry and Nick Suzuki spoke with reporters via Zoom.
They were followed by interim head coach Dominique Ducharme.
Here are a few highlights from their respective chats:
Perry on finally playing a new opponent outside of the North Division:
It's a little different. It's a little weird. But, you've seen the games, you've watched the games, you played them last year. It's a different season, but Vegas has pretty much the same team as last year. You can kind of rely on that and go back to that. You have to be ready to play. It's a new series. It's Game 1, and we're excited.

Perry on his journey to this point after signing with Montreal in late December:
I didn't have anything, didn't know what was going to happen, and didn't know where the future was going to go. Some things, you just have to wait your turn. Good things happen to people who wait, and I was fortunate enough to get the call. I was told right away that I'd probably start on the taxi squad and work my way up. I said: "No problem, I'll come in and do whatever I have to do." It's just a matter of waiting your turn.
Suzuki on being acquired from Vegas, along with Tomas Tatar, on September 10, 2018 in exchange for Max Pacioretty:
I think it worked out for both teams. When Marc Bergevin called me and said that I was a big piece that they wanted, I just wanted to show that Montreal made the right decision by bringing me over. I want to do everything I can for this franchise. It was more about proving Marc right to want me in the deal.

Suzuki on linemate Tyler Toffoli's positive influence during the postseason:
Cole and I both look up to him. He knows what it takes to win, and he's done a great job this year. He's our most successful producer. He's the guy we always go to when we have questions and we just try to take anything that we can. He's definitely open to hear what me and Cole have to say, too. Just as a line, we work really well together.
Ducharme on the matchup against Vegas:
We expect it to be a hotly contested series. When you get to the semifinals, you're facing teams that have good momentum and confidence. It's expected. That's the way things are going for the teams that are left. The further you advance, the greater the challenge. We'll be ready for the challenge. This series isn't going to be won in Game 1. We expect a long battle.

Ducharme on the play of his group heading into the Stanley Cup Semifinals:
We like our team. We like the way our team was built. We like the mix of speed, size, experience, youth and enthusiasm. Regardless of the team we're playing, you need to be at your best. That's what we want to do.