HW 3 Stars – November 2014

Matt Dilworth

10 years ago

Similar to October’s voting, there wasn’t a lot of
variance when our readers came to selecting their 3 Stars. Although
November’s votes highlight a few regulars to this column, a few Canadiens will
be relative newcomers to this list.

1st Star	Max Pacioretty	14 GP – 7 G – 4 A – 11 P – +2 Rating
It should come as no surprise that Montreal’s top point-getter in November made this list. “Patch” also led the Canadiens in goals and in shot on goals (by an astounding 16 shots) while regularly logging major minutes on forward across all situations. In addition to his scoring prowess, Pacioretty continues to impress on the physical front, where his 29 hits were good for second on the team, leading all forwards. The sole criticism one could make of Pacioretty, is that the vast majority of his goals come late in games, and he (like all Canadiens) need to start scoring earlier in matches.
★ 47%	★★ 31%	★★★ 11%

2nd Star	Carey Price	10 GP – 6 W – 4 L – 2.21 GAA – 0.924 SV% – 2 SO
Although Carey’s numbers were greatly inconsistent from game-to-game in November (e.g., he allowed more than 4 goals 3 times, but allowed 1 goal or less 5 times), it was more of a result of how his team was playing in front of him. Montreal’s inability to score first (or at all in the 1st period) has placed an unfair burden on Price; he must stop everything directed his way at the start of the game, lest his team be forced to come from behind. As daunting of a task that may be, Carey has been somewhat successful in this regard, and at the very least, he kept his team in contention long enough for his teammates to rally for a comeback.
★ 39%	★★ 19%	★★★ 19%

3rd Star	Lars Eller	14 GP – 6 G – 2 A – 8 P – +1 Rating
With the demotion and subsequent trade of much-maligned Rene Bourque, Eller seemed to find a new jump to his game. Although we had seen glimpses of this potential during the playoffs and early last season, it was a welcome sight to see some consistency from Eller; he was often the best forward for Montreal last month. His 8 points tied him with Tomas Plekanec and Brendan Gallagher for second on the team, and his 3 game-winning goals tied him with Washington’s Alex Ovechkin for the league lead in November.
★ 6%	★★ 28%	★★★ 22%

HM	Jiri Sekac	12 GP – 2 G – 4 A – 6 P – +4 Rating
Aside from Lars Eller, few benefitted more from Bourque’s exit from Montreal than Jiri Sekac. An inexplicable healthy scratch for almost 3 weeks, Sekac was inserted into the line-up alongside Eller, and his play paid off instantly. Although Sekac is far from being remotely considered for the Calder Trophy, this first-year player has had a significant impact on a deep Montreal team; Sekac’s speed and strength on the puck gives the Habs 3 forward lines that can potentially score, and more often than not, his ferocious forecheck hemmed the opposition in their own end.
★ 3%	★★ 14%	★★★ 14%

Thanks to all that voted, and be sure to check in for next month’s edition of
the HW 3 Stars.

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