Montreal Canadiens: Harvey-Pinard does better than McDavid

Rafaël Harvey-Pinard has been impressing since his recall and he certainly won the hearts of new fans by spectacularly winning the marksmanship event this morning in front of a Bell Center full of young people amateurs at the Canadian Skills Competition.  

Harvey-Pinard needed just four shots to hit all four targets in just 9.311 seconds, bettering Connor McDavid last NHL All-Star Weekend. Earlier this month in Florida, the Edmonton Oilers star clocked a four-for-four in 9.497 seconds.

“I didn't expect that [beating McDavid] and I was even a little stressed, because if you miss a couple in a row, you look a little bad. But in the end, it went really well, I'm very happy,” Harvey-Pinard told reporters with a smile.

Justin Barron also did well with a perfect performance in 9.603 seconds.< /p>

Belzile surprises

Harvey-Pinard was not the only Quebecer to shine, to the delight of the fans present during this public training. The event was back after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.

If Cole Caufield hadn't been injured, many fans would have bet he would have won the fastest skater event. fast. But in his absence, it was Alex Belzile who surprised everyone.

The American League veteran lapped the ice in 13.744 seconds, narrowly beating defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic (13.908 s).

“I ate two bacon eggs this morning! launched Belzile at the center of the rink as an explanation. I don't really have a technique, I just pushed and it worked.”

Matheson's strength

Then, Mike Matheson landed the most powerful shot with a strike at 100.9 miles per hour. Honorable mentions to Michael Pezzetta and Kovacevic who hit the 100 mph mark twice.

The young fans got to know a little more about Kovacevic, who pulled it off with his speed and reaching the final of the continuous shootout event. A new option for Martin St-Louis in the shootout…

It was finally Chris Wideman who took the honors of this contest against substitute goalkeepers. Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen participated in skate training only, wanting to avoid injuries. Allen also did well on precision shots and breakaways.