Montreal Canadiens: Shea Weber's Incredible Start for Habs
Examining Montreal Canadiens defensemen Shea Weber, and his fantastic start to the season.
All eyes were on Montreal Canadiens defensemen Shea Weber this month because of the drama that occurred this past offseason. Weber was acquired by the Habs in one of the biggest trades in team history. Marc Bergevin sent fan favourite and former Norris Trophy winning defensemen P.K. Subban to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Weber.
However Weber has proven that he was worth the trade and he is also showing that he was the better player in the deal. The Canadiens have started out 8-0-1 to start the season and haven’t lost yet in regulation time. Weber is a huge reason for the Canadiens early success.
Shea’s Incredible Stats
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Currently, Shea Weber leads the Habs in scoring, with ten points in nine games. Weber is also the NHL’s leader in plus minus, as he is a plus 12. Weber is also tied for the team lead in goals with 4 so far this season, and this includes three power play goals.
Weber’s goal totals have been impressive, however it’s the timing of the goals that are most important. Weber has been clutch for the Habs and Shea is leading the NHL in game winning goals with three.
Shea’s Effect on the Power Play
Shea has clearly established himself as a crucial part of the Canadiens defense corps, but also on the teams Power Play. The Canadiens look to get Weber the puck as much as they can, so that Shea can tee up his ridiculously hard slap shot.
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Last season the Canadiens ranked 25th on the Power Play and only scored 16.2 percent of the time. This season however, the Habs Power Play is currently 13th best in the league and is scoring 21.9 percent of the time. Weber deserves a ton of credit for the Habs improvement on the Power Play.
Weber Being Honored
For Weber’s stellar play through the first month of the season, he has won the Molson Cup Award. This award goes to the player who has earned the most star points for his play in individual games through the month. The Canadiens will present Weber the award before the Canadiens next home game.
Also Shea has been named the NHL’s third star of the week. Weber has accumulated five points which helped the Montreal Canadiens win all four of their games this past week.
Final Thoughts
Weber has definitely established himself as an elite player many years ago, but Habs fans are just starting to see what a work horse he is. Weber has only played nine games so far this season but he has clearly emerged as the early favourite to win the Norris Trophy.
Weber has provided the team with a great deal of leadership and toughness. Habs fans will no doubt continue to enjoy his robust style of defense.
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