Why Mike Matheson is more valuable to the Canadiens than you think
Veteran Mike Matheson lifts the Montreal Canadiens with incredible form, and Martin St. Louis tells a story that shows just how important his role is for the team.
Mike Matheson skates nonstop, and every game seems to push him even further.
It seems like he never gets tired.
Even though he's one of the oldest players on the Canadiens this season, he always keeps the pedal to the metal, staying fully committed throughout the game.
In fact, during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he played 29 minutes and 25 seconds.
It was his busiest game of the season, and his coach, Martin St. Louis, didn't hide his admiration.
"He has legs, he skates like a 20-year-old. He has the lungs of a 20-year-old."
- Martin St-Louis
- Martin St-Louis
It's clear that St. Louis trusts Matheson to take on heavy minutes when needed, and he doesn't hesitate to send him out repeatedly. That reliability is invaluable for a coach.
Matheson wants to do everything he can to help the Montreal Canadiens
He stays on the ice before and after practice to do more. He almost never takes a break, because he always wants to be ready.
"I'm ready to do whatever it takes to help the team to win. Sometimes it's to play a little more, sometimes it's to play a little less. Sometimes it's to play in a lot of situations, and sometimes a little less. I try to do the most I can with what I'm given."
- Matheson
- Matheson
As Vincent Duquette very well explained in his article on TVA Sports, the 31-year-old defenseman may be the fittest player on the Canadiens and even in the entire NHL.
Matheson clearly earns every shift, making him deserving of the significant ice time he receives.
TRENDING NOW
