Mark Streit returns to Montreal this weekend to play in the NHL All-Star Game for the first time. And though the Islanders defenseman, in the midst of his best year, is returning to the city where he played his previous three seasons, he also will go as a member of the worst team in the league.
“It hasn’t been easy for anybody,” Streit said. “It’s been frustrating, but all I can do is my part.”
On that front, the 31-year-old has succeeded. Though he likely never will be regarded as a defensive defenseman, he has helped the Isles’ power play and Montreal’s has suffered without him.
“I proved I belonged and can play defense in this league,” said Streit, who spent eight pro seasons in his native Switzerland before coming to the Canadiens. “So I’m excited.”
So, evidently, are a lot of other people in Switzerland.
“It’s pretty sweet,” said Streit, who may not get such a great reception from the fans in Montreal. “Austrian TV is going to broadcast the game live at midnight on Sunday and people in Switzerland get that channel.”
Most of them, however, don’t get MSG Plus, so they haven’t seen Streit play for an Islanders team that was supposed to have some difficult times, and has suffered through an awful first half.
That could be ominous for someone who signed a five-year deal before this season. But Streit said he’s not concerned with what lies ahead on Long Island or the talk that the team could move to Kansas City.
“I’m the player and I do my work on the ice,” Streit said. “That’s why they hired me. I don’t worry about the future of the team. If I worry about that, it will get me off my game.”