February may have delivered different results for the Habs after a hot start but the Three Star selections are look very similar with many of the same players getting the job done while others faltered in a tough stretch.
First Star: Jeff Petry
It comes as no surprise that Petry was voted the First Star of the week in a landslide. He’s been putting together a season that may be worth a look come Norris trophy voting time. Easily the best defenceman on the Habs, at this point the question is whether Petry is the best player on the team. He is among the league leaders in points by a defenceman and, despite a few gaffes last month, typically plays a steady and reliable game in his own end.
Stats: 12 GP, 4 G, 6 A, 10 PTS, +4 rating
Second Star: Tyler Toffoli
Toffoli continued to deliver during February, picking up six goals and proving that he can score against teams not named the Canucks along the way. He’s played with just about every forward on the Habs at this point but seems to be able to slot in wherever he is needed and produce. His cap friendly contract ($4,250,000/yr for three more seasons) is looking like a bargain as he leads the team in goals and remains among the league leaders.
Stats: 12 GP, 6 G, 2 A, 8 PTS, 0 rating
Third Star: Josh Anderson
The Drouin-Suzuki-Anderson line slowed down significantly in February after a torrid start to the season, but they were still effective and Anderson still managed to put up five goals for the month. He got banged up at the end of February and missed a few games (into March), which served to highlight his importance as there is no one else on the team that can bring the blend of size, speed and finishing that he does on a regular basis.
Stats: 11 GP, 5 G, 2 A, 7 PTS, -2 rating
Honourable Mention: Jake Allen
A new arrival to both the Habs and the Three Stars, Allen has been splitting duties with Carey Price and has looked great in doing so. While Price struggled in February, Allen was fantastic and kept the Canadiens alive in some games. The team clearly believes in his abilities and plays with confidence in front of him. Signed for an additional two seasons with a nice cap hit, Allen could be a Kraken target in the expansion draft if he keeps it up.
Stats: 5 GP, 2-1-2 record, 2.37 GAA, 0.927 save %