Repatriated by the Canadian on December 19, Philippe Danault had to wait nearly three weeks to play his first match at the Bell Center. Three weeks that seemed long.
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“From the very beginning, January 7 was circled on the calendar,” the center said hours before the game against the Flames. The whole family is excited and thrilled.”
After his first trip to the Brossard Sports Complex on Monday, where he took advantage of the opportunity to get on the ice with his little Philippe-Edouard, Danault found another familiar spot.
“It’s like I never left,” he said of the Bell Center. Nothing has changed. I feel at home.”
For Canadiens fans, it seems to be the same. Over the past few days, the Dano family has noticed that Philip has quickly become one of their favorites again.
“I shook hands. People are respectful. They're happy to see me, just as I'm happy to see them,” said number 24. It's nice to communicate in French. You see the passion of the people. I missed that.”
Everything is more comfortable
What also helps him feel comfortable is that he has found Brendan Gallagher. The same one that was to his right for most of his first 360 games with the Canadian.
“The last time I played here was with Gulley. We played together for six years,” he recalls. “I always liked my little right-hander who goes to the net and pays for it. He still does it. The chemistry was there from the beginning.”
All he has to do is complete the adaptation to the gaming system recommended by Martin St. Louis. He copes with this task better and better.
“I feel more and more comfortable. Martin trusts me. My role fits well with this team,” Victorivillois said. The Canadian is extremely attacking. I want to be a part of that. Despite my difficult start to the season, I know I have it in me.”
