At the end of his last season with the organization of the Canadian, Charlie Lindgren needed a change of scenery. His career was heading for a dead end. The good news is that he is now enjoying perfect happiness with the St. Louis Blues.
• Read also: Cayden Primeau keeps both feet on the ground
During a telephone interview with Le Journal, Lindgren returned to the reasons for the end of his association with the Habs.
“I hit kind of a wall my last season with the Rocket,” the 28-year-old explained. I needed a fresh start.
“During my years with the Canadiens organization, I have had ups and downs. It was a continual battle. »
Lindgren was patient, but he never felt like he was part of the organization’s plans.
“Every time the Canadiens called me up, I always felt like I was playing well,” he added. I have often been placed in difficult situations.
“Every time I thought I was going to settle in the NHL permanently, the Canadiens would look for an experienced goalie in the free agent market. »
During his time with the Habs, general manager Marc Bergevin hired Jake Allen, Al Montoya, Antti Niemi and Keith Kinkaid to back up Carey Price.
Last season, it was Cayden Primeau who was recalled and not him. From then on, his days with the Montreal organization were numbered.
Frustrating situation
During the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals last year, Lindgren found himself on the reserve team.
“It was very frustrating,” he said. I held the position of third goalkeeper and I did not have the opportunity to play games. It was very difficult mentally. »
Things weren’t much better in Laval.
“With the Rocket, when Joël Bouchard was the head coach, we received about twenty shots per game. It’s not always easy for a goalkeeper, especially when you’re used to receiving 30 or 40 per game.
“It’s when you have the feel of the puck that you can be at your best. »
A timely offer
Last summer, he signed a two-way contract with the St. Louis Blues. Although he has spent most of this season in the American League with Springfield, Lindgren has found his bearings and his smile.
“I just had one of my best seasons in my career,” he explained. Joining the Blues organization has been a blessing.
“I did not attack the season with the intention of proving something. I concentrated on my work. I had a great season. »
With the Thunderbirds, he went 24-7-1 with a 2.21 GAA and .925 save percentage. In the NHL, he had five starts with the Blues, going 5-0 with a 1.22 GAA and .958 save percentage.
“I still think I’m an NHL goaltender, but the Canadiens didn’t see me in that role. If I save the net in our series against the Rocket [starting Saturday], I won’t hold a grudge against my old organization. I will be competitive and nothing more.
“Anyway, there have been several management and coaching changes over the past year. »
He received a nice reward during the NHL playoffs when he was recalled by the Blues after the injury to Craig Binnington. An incredible experience that will serve as motivation for the next season.
It is not yet known who, Charlie Lindgren or Joel Hofer, will be in front of the Thunderbirds cage for the start of the series against the Laval Rocket.
A duel between Lindgren and Cayden Primeau would be very interesting to follow.
“I don’t see this as a matchup between me and Cayden, but rather between Springfield and Laval,” Lindgren said. It’s a team sport.
“We are two competitors and we want to win. All we want is to help our team reach the Calder Cup final. »
The veteran had a good relationship with Primeau when he shared the net with the Rocket.
“It was clear that Cayden was a player on whom the organization of the Canadian pinned a lot of hope. Cayden has tremendous potential and he’s a really good person off the ice.
“I have nothing but good words to say about him. »
It’s the same for his former goalkeeper coach at Laval Marco Marciano.
“I’m a big fan of Marco. He has been very good to me. He kept me motivated even during the toughest times. »
big streak
With their regular season and playoff success, the Thunderbirds might be underestimating the Rocket. However, this is not the case.
“It’s going to be a great series,” Lindgren said. Laval plays with intensity and each team is having success at home. It will be super exciting.
“We respect the Rocket. It is very good training. This is an important series for me and my team. »
The Thunderbirds have a strong goalie duo with him and Hofer. Jean-François Houle’s troupe will have a lot to do to break through their wall.
Hofer has a similar profile to Primeau, according to Lindgren.
“He’s a great young goalkeeper. He is very talented. When I was with the Blues, he played very well against Charlotte in the last round.
“I have the same type of relationship with him that I had with Cayden. Both are very good people. »
