October 26, 2008

Back in the Saddle

The following article featuring former Yale standout Chris Higgins appeared October 25 on the Montreal Canadiens Web site.

 

By Manny Almela
canadiens.com

MONTREAL – Finally able to put a pesky groin injury behind him, Christopher Higgins made his eagerly anticipated return to the Habs’ lineup on Saturday night.

“I’ve got to be honest, I felt surprisingly good tonight, better than I ever expected,” said Higgins, who even assisted on Saku Koivu’s goal in the first period. “Aside from us not getting two points tonight, I feel pretty positive about it for it being a first time out for me.”

Relieved about his ability to skate in his regular season debut, Higgins was quick to credit the man who helped get him back on the ice much sooner than later.

“It really is a credit to Scotty, who kept me in shape so that I was able to feel as strong as I did here tonight,” admitted Higgins of his tireless work put in with strength and conditioning coordinator Scott Livingston in recent weeks. “I felt comfortable out there and I really think this is something I can build on with a few more games and practices.”

After seeing Higgins log an impressive 18:05 of ice time, head coach Guy Carbonneau was pleased with what he saw from his speedy winger.

“I thought he was excellent,” said Carbonneau. “His legs looked fine, he got involved and he didn’t look to me like a guy who was playing his first game of the season. I’m really happy with his performance and I think he was too.”