Here’s an excerpt from TSN‘s game review of the Minnesota Wild’s 3-0 shutout of the Habs with comments from Max Pacioretty, Yannick Weber and Kyle Chipchura who were sent to the Bulldogs’ training camp after the game.
After the game, neither Pacioretty nor Weber were the least bit disappointed with the news and were resolved to working hard in Hamilton in the hopes of a call-up.
”They know what’s best for my development,” said Pacioretty, 19, who was the story of Habs camp with his display of speed and power. ”I improved a lot in three weeks. I’ll go down there, work hard and sit by the phone for when I come back.”
Weber says he did better than he expected and that he’s confident his time in the minors won’t be too lengthy if the Habs run into injury problems on the blue-line.
”I’m the last of the young defencemen who are here, so that tells that I might be the first to be called up,” Weber said. ”It’s nice to see they have confidence in me.”
Centre Kyle Chipchura – who was fighting for a spot on the Habs fourth line – also remains, but his two-way contract makes it practically impossible for him to beat out Maxim Lapierre for the spot since Lapierre would have to clear waivers to be sent to the minors.
”It definitely feels good to still be here,” he said. ”But you look at who’s easier to send down and it doesn’t look good for me.”
Habster:
While Yannick Weber and Max Pacioretty are anxious to get their pro careers started with the Bulldogs, Kyle Chipchura is rightfully disappointed after having a strong finish to training camp after a poor performance in his first pre-season game.
Chipchura realizes he’s in a numbers game with players like Maxim Lapierre who have to pass through waiver before they can be sent to the AHL.
Lapierre didn’t have a terrible training camp but he certainly didn’t win his spot over Chipchura or Pacioretty because of merit. He won it simply because the Habs are worried,rightfully so, that another team will claim Lapierre off waivers.
I’m sure Chipchura will be recalled if one of the fourth liners gets injured or the Habs struggle in the face-off circle.
What works to “Chipper’s” advantage are some key factors like being a natural center, plays a solid two way game, having two AHL seasons under his belt (including an AHL championship and WJC title) and displaying tremendous leadership qualities.