Beaulieu Makes Habs Pre-Season Debut

Nathan Beaulieu played – and played a lot - for the Montreal Canadiens last night in a 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in National Hockey League pre-season action.

Beaulieu led all Montreal skaters in ice time with 27 minutes and 15 seconds. He assisted on PK Subban’s power play goal in the second period. He finished the game a -2.

“Playing on the power play with P.K. (Subban) is something every kid in Montreal wants to do and I did it,” the 18-year-old Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman said to the Montreal Gazette.

“I knew I had to zip it across,” Beaulieu said of his assist. “He gave me a good outlet (and) it was a great play by him to get open.”

Beaulieu’s play seemed to impress fans and his teammates. He was named third star of the contest.

 "This kid is going to be a superstar one day," said Josh Gorges, as tweeted byMarc-Antoine Godin of La Presse.

“Anyone saw N. Beaulieu last night,” wrote Habs fan on Twitter. “That kid has got mad skills!! Very promising rookie.”

Beaulieu was one of six Canadiens making their Bell Centre debuts.

"I was so nervous I couldn't sleep the night before the game," he told CJAD.

Former Sea Dogs goaltender Robert Mayer also some action in net for Montreal. He allowed a goal on eight shots in the second half of the contest.

Beaulieu has been in Montreal taking part in Habs rookie and training camp. Given his impressive outing last night, he may not be in the Saint John lineup for a little while. 

Photo Credit: ESPN