Félix Auger-Aliassime, the Canadian tennis player, continues to show his support for the Montreal Canadiens while competing in the Hamburg Open in Germany. Despite the time difference and his preparation for a match against Vit Kopriva, he eagerly sought the highlights of the Canadiens’ recent game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Auger-Aliassime’s Excitement for the Canadiens
On Tuesday morning, Auger-Aliassime woke up relieved to see that the Canadiens had won 3-2 in overtime. He mentioned, “It’s always nice to wake up to good news.” Although initially fatigued, the victory brightened his mood ahead of his first-round match, which he won in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1.
Upcoming Challenges
The Montreal Canadiens are now preparing to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Hurricanes have rested since May 10, having swept both the Ottawa Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers in earlier rounds. Meanwhile, the Canadiens have navigated through two seven-game series, which Auger-Aliassime noted can be exceptionally taxing.
- Current Matchup: Canadiens vs. Hurricanes
- Hurricanes Rest Duration: Since May 10
- Canadiens Series: Two seven-game series
Understanding the Game
Even though Auger-Aliassime focuses on tennis, he empathizes with the Canadiens’ situation. He compared their playoff journey to reaching the semifinals of a Grand Slam, highlighting the strenuous demands involved. “It takes a lot of energy to play two Game 7s,” he explained, appreciating the physical and mental toll it takes on the players.
Auger-Aliassime’s Hockey Roots
At just 25 years old, Auger-Aliassime began following hockey around 2008 or 2009, during Saku Koivu’s captaincy. This experience has shaped his connection to the sport, even if he has not witnessed a Stanley Cup triumph himself. He expressed hope for a strong performance from the Canadiens this year, noting the significance of the team in Montreal and Quebec.
“The last Stanley Cup win was over 30 years ago. It’s crucial for our community,” Auger-Aliassime remarked, as he plans to stay updated on the Canadiens’ playoff journey from afar, combining his dedication to tennis with his love for hockey.
