HW 3 Stars – March 2014

In the last
full month of regulation
hockey, Montreal distanced itself from the non-playoff teams in the standings. 
The Habs’ success came largely from a team effort, with a number of various contributors
on any given night.   Nevertheless, some Canadiens answered the call more often
than others, and here are the 3 Stars chosen by the Habsworld readers.

1st Star	Max Pacioretty	15 GP – 8 G – 7 A – 15 P – Plus 6
It should come as no surprise that Max Pacioretty makes this list, given the white-hot tear he has been on of late.  Pacioretty led the Canadiens in goals (8), plus/minus (+6), game-winning goals (3) and shots on net (58), and was a strong contributor to Montreal’s playoff push.  In the month of March, Pacioretty’s goals continued to be a good omen for the Canadiens; the Habs went 6-0 in games in which he scored at least one goal.
★ 37%	★★ 46%	★★★ 5%

 

2nd Star	Carey Price	7 GP – 6 W – 1 L –  2.59 GAA – 0.921 SV%
A regular on this list, Carey rebounded from his minor injury to all but guarantee the Canadiens a playoff berth.  In March, Carey went 6-1 and kicked aside of 211 of 229 shots as he strove to regain his Olympic form.  With Peter Budaj struggling in his short time as the temporary starter, and Dustin Tokarski largely untested, it is good news for Canadiens’ fans that Price was able to heal up prior to the playoffs.
★ 31%	★★ 15%	★★★ 17%

 

3rd Star	Thomas Vanek	12 GP – 6 G – 5 A – 11 P – Plus 6
It didn’t take long for the prized Trade Deadline acquisition to earn HW honours, as our readers quickly identified Thomas Vanek as a catalyst to Montreal’s new-found offence.  Most expected Vanek to usurp the title of top sniper (and his hat-trick certainly did nothing to disprove this belief), but few expected the impact that his play-making would have on the top line.  Vanek found almost instant chemistry with Pacioretty and David Desharnais, and that line quickly became one of the most dangerous in the NHL.  Moreover, the Canadiens no longer have to rely on their powerplay, as the addition of Vanek has improved their even-strength scoring.
★ 22%	★★ 12%	★★★ 27%

 

HM	David Desharnais	15 GP – 4 G – 11 A – 15 P – Plus 6
Despite lacking the size and the ability to play in all situations, Desharnais certainly produced points like a number one centerman in the month of March.  Tallying at a point per game rate, Desharnais tied Pacioretty for the team lead in scoring, while going +6 on the month, a season-high for him.  After struggling for about the first 20 games, Desharnais has elevated his game and is worth every penny of his $3.5M contract.
★ 5%	★★ 14%	★★★ 20%

 

Thanks to everyone that voted, and be sure to check in next month for
April’s HW 3 Star voting.