Q&A Highlights: Michael Pezzetta

MONTREAL -- Few players have endeared themselves to Canadiens fans as quickly as Michael Pezzetta. We caught up with the man with the golden flow to discuss his season in Montreal, his summer plans and the support he receives from Habs fans.

Marc Dumont: You're one of the fan favourites, and I think it's for a good reason, Michael. So let me just say I appreciate the effort you put into every game, the intensity, that passion for the game. So on behalf of Habs fans, thanks for all that effort.
Michael Pezzetta: Thank you. I got to live out my dream this year, playing in front of the best fans in the world. It was crazy all year, even though things were tough, everyone supported us the whole time, supported me the whole time. Everyone was super positive with me, and I wanted to say thank you for that.
MD: Where's the mustache, Michael???
MP: I lost a little of a bet [with my girlfriend], so the mustache had to go, but it'll be back, don't worry. I'm sure you can see that I cut my hair a little bit, it's still long. I'm actually leaving for Europe, I leave today, at 8 o'clock I'm flying out. I just needed to trim a little of the weight off. But it'll be grown from now to the back of the season, so don't worry.
MD: Where are you headed? Are you going to Italy, where they don't put pineapple on pizza?
MP: Yeah! We are going to Italy! We're starting in France, we're going to Paris and Nice. Then Italy for a couple of weeks, and go to a bunch of spots there. I'm super excited, I've actually never been. We're both pretty excited.

MD: What's your highlight of the season, Michael?
MP: Obviously, scoring my first goal, that was insane. I'll never forget that. As everyone saw, I walked into the hash marks, took a slapshot, and went bar down, and fans went crazy. chuckles]
So, that's definitely not what happened, but I wish it was. And obviously my first game in Montreal, at the Bell Centre, we played Detroit. We won the game. I was so happy we won. Just to experience that atmosphere for the first time.
**MD**: To me it's crazy you fought Ryan Reaves. Did you plan that?
**MP:** No, it was just something I thought about. I just got called up, I was just trying to make an impact. So why not fight the toughest guy in the league and see what happens? I never got so many positive messages after getting beat up. That was funny, and I definitely won't forget that. I didn't get hurt, so my mom will be happy about that.
**MD**: You were a big part of the team in Laval. You must have some good memories of Laval. Do you kind of wish you were there right now?
**MP**: I'm missing out a little bit! We put in all the groundwork in the last couple of seasons. And I know how crazy it'll be in Laval. Some of my best memories are playing in that barn.
**MD**: Did Jean-Francois Houle help you prepare for the season?
**MP**: He gave me an opportunity to play. When I came down, the first thing he said to me was "hey, look, you're going to have a longer leash. Don't grip your stick too tight, I know you can play. So just play, don't think too much and play." I can't thank him enough for the opportunity.
**MD**: What's it like having fans on social media call you 'Italian King'?
**MP**: I just appreciate all the support. To have everyone support me, especially since I'm not a first-line guy right now, it's been amazing. I can't thank everybody enough. I get a good laugh at some of the stuff on social media, it makes me laugh sometimes. Keep it coming.
**MD:** Is it true Cole Caufield is always excited, bouncing off the walls?
MP: Yeah, he's obviously a great hockey player. He's a funny kid, it's fun to sit there and laugh at what he's doing sometimes. He's definitely high energy.
MD: If you could play with one player, past or present, who would it be?
MP: We'll go with the Rocket, one of the best players to ever play for Montreal. If I can play on his wing, shovel some pucks over to him, and pick up some assists, it would help my points total for the year!
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