Rivet seemed to have gotten a hold of a good game rhythm already in his third appearance in the Finnish league. Getting more and more responsibility as the game went on, Rivet played more than 21 minutes. Out of the locker room walked a relieved man.
- I am certainly glad it’s over with (the home debut), it was a great win. I was obviously very nervous coming in tonight, but guys played amazingly, we worked very hard against one of the best teams in the league. Our goaltender (Teemu Lassila) basically stood on his head and gave us a real chance to win, so it was a real team effort.
Rivet had some nice words about his new home arena and the fans, although he might have been a bit polite in his review on the home crowd – mostly famous for its quietness.
- Well, the fans were amazing, they were loud and behind us the whole night. When you’re playing at home it’s like having the extra player on the ice, as they say, and it was a great atmosphere tonight. It made us play that much better.
Getting into the rhythm
Rivet was satisfied with his own game, although there is still room for improvement. Rivet and Jiri Vykoukal made up the defensive pairing that was the most visible on the ice. The two experienced players are playing the same tune already, more defensive-minded Rivet fitting in nicely along the puck-moving Czech.
- I struggled my first two games. You know, it’s much different style of hockey over here, and a much different style of system, so it’s going to get me some time to know how to play this system. But it’s getting better gradually.
- Tonight my defensive partner Jiri was amazing with helping me to try play a simple game. As I get in a better shape and start to see the game a little better, maybe my game will get a little better.
Rivet believes he will get into a top shape before the playoffs. An experienced player will find the touch by playing.
- I hadn’t played any hockey since April in the playoffs, so it’s going to take some time. I feel I’m in a pretty good shape right now, but it is just the system I’m having a little bit of a hard time with because it’s much different than over in North America. As I get more games I’m sure I start to feel more comfortable.
A valuable goal, valuable points
Rivet’s personal effort was most visible on TPS’s improved power play, which seemed to take a step forward with his straightforward play. His active role on the point was rewarded, when his slap shot found its way into the net for his first goal in the Finnish league.
- Yeah, it felt good. We struggled on our power play in the last couple of games and we’ve worked very hard on it. We had a lot of chances to score tonight and that is a good sign. It was very fortunate that one went in for myself.
Tuesday night marked the first time TPS was able to win any of the top three teams in the league this season. Victory was sweet, but Rivet does not think it made that much difference mentally for the team.
- The guys are positive, and have been before. I was almost shocked when I came here for my first practice. I couldn’t believe how hard each and every drill were, guys are working 100 per cent all the time. You can call the Canadians a little bit lazy, but over here they’re definitely not lazy.
- We work hard and I think if we can keep bringing that into our game we’re going to have success.
With an experience of just over a week, the NHL veteran values the Finnish league very highly. Although one might suspect he is being just a little bit too polite.
- I’ll tell you this, obviously when I came over I didn’t want to underestimate the hockey players over here, but to my surprise I’m very impressed with the hockey and the skill over here. The guys are mostly tremendously skilled, they have a lot of speed, whether it’s a young guy or an older guy. And the game is really fast.
- In North America, it’s much more physical style of play over there, but here you really need to be a skilled hockey player… and for me it’s going to take a while, he laughs.
”There is not going to be a season”
Back home Craig Rivet is also a player representative of the Montreal Canadiens in the NHLPA. When asked about the lockout situation, he puts his words carefully, but his own opinion is clear.
- Right now, as much as I’m a player rep back there, my focus is playing here in Turku and playing for TPS. The reason why I came here is because that I felt there is not going to be a season, and I still feel that way.
- I felt that the best thing for me was to come over, to come to a very good league and be competitive, to play hockey. As much as I would love to be playing NHL hockey, right now I’m glad to be playing for TPS.
