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Michael Ziegler
Education: Bialik High School Class of 2013, Dawson College Class of 2015, McGill Political Science Student. Born and raised in Montreal, the Canadiens have always been a big part of my life. What started out as a way to blow off some steam after a tough loss in the 2011 playoffs eventually became a popular hit with Facebook friends around the internet. On PGT, I like to dissect each and every Habs game and promote discussion about the team. Other interests: Aside from Hockey and sports in general, I love music. During the summer I work for Camp Wingate, a sleep-away sports camp just north of Montreal. Favourite places in Webspace: If you are looking for the latest news around the NHL, visit NHL.com For more Montreal Canadiens talk, visit Allaboutthehabs.com, or hockeyinsideout.com

Top 5 Habs In 2011-2012

5. Josh Gorges
This shouldn't come to the surprise of many as Gorges has consistently been the Habs best defender this season. His leadership in the dressing room is immeasurable and his dedication to his team and teammates is incredible. He is a selfless player that will do anything to win. And while he is not lighting up the scoresheets he is a +16 and is leading the league in blocked shots.


4. David Desharnais
When you have a top line that is playing as well as David Desharnais, Max Pacioretty and Erik Cole are, a lot has to do with the play of the center. DD has done an incredible job of setting up his wingers all season long. He is third on the team in scoring with 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) in 58 games and is a plus 11. Not a bad season for an undrafted free agent.


3. Carey Price
Without Carey Price this season, the Habs are the worst team in hockey. Even though the numbers may not show it, Price has been the main reason the Habs are even discussing a playoff spot at this point. He has once again been incredible for the bleu-blanc-rouge continuing his dominance from last year. If not for how well the next two players have played, Price would definitely have been number one on this list. 


2. Max Pacioretty
After suffering a devastating injury last season, many thought Pacioretty would never be the same if he returned to the NHL. Instead of allowing the injury to ruin his career, he has used it as a way to become stronger. "Patches", as they call him, has been on a tear since the beginning of 2012 scoring 13 goals in 14 games. He is third in the league in even strength goals, only 2 behind Phil Kessel and Gino Malkin. Pacioretty has posted some great numbers this season, he has 44 points (24 goals, 20 assists) in 55 games and is a +2. Just to put Pacioretty's success into perspective, he has more goals than Rick Nash, Ryan Kesler, Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Alex Ovechkin. Pretty impressive stuff for the 24 year-old kid out of the University of Michigan.

"I've learned a lot from (Erik Cole) and watching other big forwards who score around the net," Canadiens winger Max Pacioretty says. "I have to make sure that's my game for all 82 games."

1. Erik Cole
For whoever thinks that Pacioretty should be number one on this list instead of Cole, I'm gonna be honest with you, I flipped a coin to decide who got the nod. When Cole signed in Montreal this summer many thought that Pierre Gauthier's offer was a bit steep for the injury prone forward. Cole has proved everyone wrong and has shown incredible speed and chemistry with linemates David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. And just like his linemates, Cole has put up some great numbers. He has 44 points (22 goals, 22 assists) in 58 games and is a +11. Worth the $4.5M? I think so.


Honorable mentions: 
PK Subban- While he hasn't put up the offensive numbers he put up last year, he is a +4 and is becoming very reliable in his own zone. Immaturity and lack of discipline keeps him of this list.  
Tomas Plekanec- Quietly putting up solid numbers but his -16 rating keeps him off this list.

CHeers

Follow me on Twitter: @YourCanadiens
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