Quebecer Julien Gauthier has had an unpleasant last few weeks spending most of his time in the stands, but he hopes that the game before the Christmas break will be a preview of what awaits him soon.

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The forward took advantage of the misfortunes of another Belle Province hockey player, Samuel Blais, to regain his place in the training of head instructor Gerard Gallant after being cut in three consecutive games. While Blais was in the press box, he had a goal and an assist to lead the Blueshirts to a 5-3 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday. This is a good dose of positive for the one who had not scored since November 26.

Now, will he be able to remain in the group of uniformed players?

“He was angry and disappointed. He didn't end up on the sidelines due to poor play, but rather as a result of coaching decisions. We liked the way we played and wanted different types of hockey players,” Gallant told the New York Post. He showed up and did a great job. He played hard and scored a goal.

To continue

Even though he was placed on the right wing of the fourth line completed by Vitali Kravtsov and Jonny Brodzinski, Gauthier intends to use every opportunity to assert himself on the ice. That's what he achieved on Thursday, despite having just eight minutes of usage time.

"It's never pleasant, honestly. I try to fit in well in the group by returning to my best as much as possible. Overall, my game has been up to par this year, he assessed. Sometimes it's not fun or easy to be the cut off guy. Nevertheless, when you are back, you try to capitalize on your opportunities to excel.

The 25-year-old winger has eight points in 24 contests in 2022-23. The Rangers host the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.