After a shutout win over the Winnipeg Jets Sunday afternoon, the Montreal Canadiens pulled a rabbit out of their hats with a shootout victory Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, only their second shootout victory this season. But that didn't even make headlines as Montreal's young stars stole the show. As sweet as the win was, the performance of two young players for the Canadiens was the cherry on top.
After a rough season last year, young Danish centre Lars Eller, who was acquired in the Jaroslav Halak trade, is starting to prove that he can be a solid regular in the NHL. Once again, Eller had the challenge of shutting down the opponent's top players. After completely shutting down Pavel Datsyuk back before the All-Star break, Eller was given another opportunity to shut down a star Russian player. This time it was league leader in points, Evgeni Malkin. With some help from Tomas Plekanec, Eller once again put in a stellar performance, holding Malkin to one assist, and a beautiful shootout goal (which he obviously could not prevent). Eller also added a goal to his incredible performance. During a rough season like the one the Canadiens are currently enduring, young players showing promise and potential is one area that has gone right for the Habs. Not only has Eller shown incredible offensive skill, (4 goals in one game earlier this season) he has also shown the ability to be a shutdown center with the ability to blank the opponent's top players and keep them from having an impact on the game.
I don't know how many of you watched the game last night, but ladies and gentlemen, Louis Leblanc has arrived. A native of Montreal, Louis grew up watching and idolizing the Habs. He was later drafted by the Canadiens in the first round a couple years back at the draft in Montreal and started this season in Hamilton of the AHL. Louis had a stint with the Habs but was then sent down after being pretty ineffective. However, due to injury, Leblanc was called back up Tuesday and he made his mark. Leblanc played by the far his best game of the year, along with the aforementioned Lars Eller, the duo played an incredible game. Leblanc scored a goal and played a terrific defensive game alongside Eller to shut down the Penguins' potent attack. With his performance, many on Twitter were saying that Leblanc deserves to stay for the rest of the season and that Leblanc is a shoe-in for next year's team. While I agree with the latter statement I do believe however that Leblanc should finish this season in Hamilton. But by playing the way he did Tuesday night, Louis Leblanc showed the great city of Montreal what he's all about, and what is to come in a very promising career ahead - and that is very exciting.
CHeers
After a rough season last year, young Danish centre Lars Eller, who was acquired in the Jaroslav Halak trade, is starting to prove that he can be a solid regular in the NHL. Once again, Eller had the challenge of shutting down the opponent's top players. After completely shutting down Pavel Datsyuk back before the All-Star break, Eller was given another opportunity to shut down a star Russian player. This time it was league leader in points, Evgeni Malkin. With some help from Tomas Plekanec, Eller once again put in a stellar performance, holding Malkin to one assist, and a beautiful shootout goal (which he obviously could not prevent). Eller also added a goal to his incredible performance. During a rough season like the one the Canadiens are currently enduring, young players showing promise and potential is one area that has gone right for the Habs. Not only has Eller shown incredible offensive skill, (4 goals in one game earlier this season) he has also shown the ability to be a shutdown center with the ability to blank the opponent's top players and keep them from having an impact on the game.
Louis Leblanc and Lars Eller celebrating a goal Tuesday night at the Bell Centre
I don't know how many of you watched the game last night, but ladies and gentlemen, Louis Leblanc has arrived. A native of Montreal, Louis grew up watching and idolizing the Habs. He was later drafted by the Canadiens in the first round a couple years back at the draft in Montreal and started this season in Hamilton of the AHL. Louis had a stint with the Habs but was then sent down after being pretty ineffective. However, due to injury, Leblanc was called back up Tuesday and he made his mark. Leblanc played by the far his best game of the year, along with the aforementioned Lars Eller, the duo played an incredible game. Leblanc scored a goal and played a terrific defensive game alongside Eller to shut down the Penguins' potent attack. With his performance, many on Twitter were saying that Leblanc deserves to stay for the rest of the season and that Leblanc is a shoe-in for next year's team. While I agree with the latter statement I do believe however that Leblanc should finish this season in Hamilton. But by playing the way he did Tuesday night, Louis Leblanc showed the great city of Montreal what he's all about, and what is to come in a very promising career ahead - and that is very exciting.
CHeers
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