Despite the excitement surrounding the playoffs, Habsworld’s readers were
able to take the time to vote for April’s 3 Stars. Unlike other
months, there wasn’t a wide variety of votes and only a few different Canadiens
received nominations. For April, Nathan Beaulieu, Peter Budaj, Lars Eller,
Alex Galchenyuk, Brendan Gallagher, Max Pacioretty, Brendon Prust, P.K. Subban
and Jarred Tinordi all received consideration for the
Habsworld 3 Stars.
#1 – Alex Galchenyuk (14 GP – 6 Goals – 6 Assists – 12 Points – Plus
5
Rating)
Although it is fellow rookie, Brendan Gallagher, receiving consideration for
the NHL’s rookie of the year, most fans recognize that it was the other "Gally"
that had a more impressive month in April. "Chucky" received the Molson
Cup in April, and fans were treated to demonstrations of the skills that had the
19-year old selected 3rd overall in the 2012 Entry Draft. Co-leading the
team in goals, Galchenyuk began to play with more confidence, as he used his
quick hands and big frame to work his way through the opposition with ease.
For a young player, he possesses great hockey sense, and Galchenyuk will start
earning more assists once his teammates learn to accept his hard passes.
Despite playing an inordinate amount of hockey this year (89 NHL, OHL and WJC
games, not including exhibitions) after missing almost an entire year,
Galchenyuk has progressed steadily throughout the season and seems poised for a
breakout next year.
34% of 1st Star votes, 29% of 2nd Star votes, 24% of 3rd Star votes.
#2 – Lars Eller (14 GP – 4 Goals – 9 Assists – 13 Points – Plus
2
Rating)
With David Desharnais missing in action, Lars Eller seemingly took it upon
himself to pick up the slack at centre in April. Tied for the team scoring
lead, "Larry" was quite often Montreal’s best forward, as he began to contribute
significantly at both ends of the ice. Michel Therrien and the Canadiens’
staff have done wonders with the young Dane, as he has transformed from an
average player to, at times, an impact player over the course of the season.
With Jaroslav Halak riding the pine in St. Louis, it can finally be put to rest
which team won the trade between the two players.
24% of 1st Star votes, 42% of 2nd Star votes, 13% of 3rd Star votes.
#3 – P.K. Subban (14 GP – 1 Goal – 10 Assists – 11 Points – Plus
2
Rating)
With statistics like Subban, it is no surprise that the young defender made
this list AND a nomination for the Norris Trophy. Although his points were
down from last month (not surprising given Montreal’s struggles), P.K. still
managed to post impressive numbers. Subban led the team in assists, PIM
and powerplay points, but anyone that sees P.K. play knows that he is worth much
more than that. He is almost impossible to move off the puck, and although
he takes less risks these days, P.K. will reinforce on a regular basis that he
can singlehandedly clear the zone and lead the rush on the same play. A
truly special player, one can only hope that P.K. will remain in Montreal for
many, many years.
26% of 1st Star votes, 8% of 2nd Star votes, 13% of 3rd Star votes.
HM – Peter Budaj (3-0-0, 2.01 GAA, .913 SV%)
With a starting goaltender like Carey Price on the team, it is not every
month that the backup goalie will earn an honourable mention during the 3 Stars
discussion. But that is the case this month; Budaj was called on to
deliver, and he rose to the occasion admirably. With Price struggling (and
possibly playing through injury), Budaj won three of his starts, despite
seeing his personal winning streak of 7 games come to an end. Budaj’s
performance and team-first attitude were recognized by GM Marc Bergevin, who
rewarded the goaltender with a 2-year contract extension.
0% of 1st Star votes, 3% of 2nd Star votes, 13% of 3rd Star votes.