Former CH defenseman Ben Chiarot

After a two-season tour in Germany, defender Alexandre Picard hung his skates for good.

See the interview with Alexandre Picard in the video, above.

The one who wore the colors of the Montreal Canadiens in 2010-2011 was an attentive spectator on Thursday for the local opening of his former team. Nine years later, Gatineau still "does not realize" the chance he had to take the Holy Flannel.

"Only Carey Price is still here from the time I was there. It has changed a lot. But it's still a pride to have played for them, "he said on Friday, at the" Departants ", TVA Sports.

Not impressed by Chiarot

Regarding the match that followed the opening ceremony, the new retiree watched the defensive brigade of the Tricolore. Since the kickoff of the season, he is not convinced of the addition of Ben Chiarot, who forms a tandem with Jeff Petry.

"I have a lot of misery with him, he said. I try not to be critical because I myself have been a defender.

"It's his body language that I do not like. His nonchalance and foot speed. He is very, very slow. "

Not his best match

Number 8 was used for 21 min 47 s against the Red Wings, Thursday. He completed the night with four shots on goal and three turnovers.

In the third period, he looked bad when his shot was intercepted by Darren Helm, who escaped alone to Carey Price afterwards.

"You can not do that! You're the last man. You can not get a throw blocked. You have more than 300 games in the NHL, you should know! "

For Picard, Chiarot must take advantage of the beginning of the season to correct and improve his weaknesses.

"I'm going to give him a chance because it's early in the season. But after the ceremony, it should swell you to the block. It looks like he was dragging his feet in his first presence, "he said.

"We want it to solidify the second pair and we want it to be robust. Yesterday, one thing he did well was clean in the net. When there is a return throw, you can be sure that the opposing player will cash a good shot of Sher-Wood. He's doing his job on this side. "

Difficulties with the attack

In addition, Picard would like the attackers of the CH are more hungry in adverse territory.

"I think they are very linear in attack. Either they do not have a zone entry option and they throw the puck in the bottom. Otherwise, the player carries the puck along the tape.

"Other than Domi and Drouin, who are more creative in finding free space, no player feels comfortable doing it. It's very predictable and very easy to defend.

Is the head coach there for something? Possibly, believes Picard.

"They have talented players. Is Claude Julien asking his players to keep it simple? "He raises.

"If you look at new trends, Gerard Gallant is recognized as a coach who lets his men play. That may be the approach we should have for Canadians. "