In a memorable NHL debut, Bruins’ Jonathan Aspirot took the ice at the Bell Centre in Montreal. This game marked a significant milestone for Aspirot, who has previously participated in preseason matches but never in a regular-season game. Reflecting on his past experiences, Aspirot noted the difference in atmosphere. “We had cardboard people, so probably a different atmosphere tonight for sure,” he said.
Jonathan Aspirot: NHL Debut Highlights
Born to play the game, Aspirot has drawn inspiration from former Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin. “I think he was playing a hard game with some good, physical hits,” he remarked. Aspirot aims to emulate Emelin’s style in his own play. Despite being a healthy scratch for two prior games, Bruins coach Marco Sturm highlighted Aspirot’s strong performance during his six-game stint leading up to the debut.
Coaching Support and Debut Performance
“He didn’t do anything wrong. He was really excellent,” said Sturm. Aspirot took the ice in place of Henri Jokiharju, pairing with Mason Lohrei on the third defense line. The coaching staff advised Aspirot to keep his play simple, focusing on gap closing and smart defensive choices.
A Different Kind of Homecoming
Joining Aspirot in Montreal was Bruins winger Jeffrey Viel, another Quebec native. Previously, Viel had played at the Bell Centre while with the San Jose Sharks. Describing the experience as “incredible,” he reminisced about his childhood memories of the intense Boston-Montreal rivalry.
- “Just the memories when I was growing up, going to Bell Centre, and the rivalry,” said Viel.
- He admitted to mixed feelings, confessing that he was a Canadiens fan but appreciated the Bruins’ style of play.
Injury Impact on the Canadiens
The Canadiens faced significant roster challenges during the matchup. They were missing forward Alex Newhook and defenseman Kaiden Guhle, both fresh off surgeries. Newhook suffered a fractured ankle and is sidelined for at least four months. Guhle’s injury is more long-term, with a partially torn adductor muscle set to keep him out for up to 10 weeks. In their absence, Jared Davidson made his NHL debut as a replacement.
Upcoming Challenges for the Bruins
With a focus on their rivalry game, Bruins coach Marco Sturm expressed his fondness for the Bell Centre, calling it his “favorite building.” After this match, the Bruins will have a brief break before facing the Carolina Hurricanes. Following the game, the Bruins will embark on an extensive nine-day trip, playing four games against teams in Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Long Island.
