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Rafaël Harvey-Pinard: don’t panic!

Let’s get something straight: we need to lower our expectations of Rafaël Harvey-Pinard. He enjoyed an incredible end-to-end season in 2022-23, scoring a total of 14 goals in 34 games. This year, the story is very different, as he is still looking for his first goal after 12 games.

Of course, we’d all like to see RHP score his first goal of the season, but it’s important to remember that he’s not playing badly.

The Quebecer, selected in the 7th round in 2019, is in his second NHL season, after his first, which left a lasting impression. He’s currently one of 7 CH players still looking for their first goal this year (6 if you forget Kirby Dach).

In fact, there are other CH players who haven’t scored in several games. Here are a few examples.

But this is no time to panic in the case of Harvey-Pinard.

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Why not? Because he gives it his all every time and doesn’t let his feet drag. He plays like a Brendan Gallagher with body and soul, even when it’s not working out on the scoresheet.

And let’s face it, he played on the first line in March with Nick Suzuki. This time, he’s on the fourth. That means less playing time for him, and therefore fewer opportunities. And let’s not forget the fact that he’s playing with fourth-trio guys, not the team captain.

Even after all that, he’s not having such a bad time. He has four points in 12 games. That’s far from ideal, but perfect for a fourth-trio player.

All he needs is a little goal. Opening the counter will help restore his confidence and he’ll be able to score more. Tony Marinaro talked about this when he appeared on TVA Sports’ JiC program on Monday.

Marinaro explained that he loves the player and would take him on his team any day. However, he thinks he needs a spark to get back to last year’s level of play.

I’ll say it again: don’t panic. Harvey-Pinard is a 24-year-old player still trying to establish himself at a steady pace in the NHL. He’ll get there. It’s just a matter of time.

In gusto

– Congratulations to Pierre Turgeon.

– It’s tough without Vasilevskiy.

– Happy birthday!

– A beautiful plateau.