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Who will be this year’s Playoffs Unsung Hero?

By Nick Lariviere

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With the playoffs just around the corner, many questions are being brought up on whether or not the Canadiens have a good enough team to go all the way. One thing that is needed to go all the way is an unsung hero. 

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Last year the unsung hero was Rene Bourque. After a very disappointing 2013-14 season, where he had only 9 goals and 16 points in 63 games. When it came to the playoffs, Rene was an unlikely hero scoring 8 goals and 11 points in 17 games, helping the Habs reach the Eastern conference finals. This season after returning to his struggling self, the Habs were able to ship his contract over to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Bryan Allen.

Who will be this year’s Rene Bourque come playoff time? Here are three players who could very well step up offensively come playoff time.

Devante Smith-Pelly:

Feb 28, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Devante Smith-Pelly (21) during the warmup period before the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory

Credit

: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Interestingly enough, the Canadiens picked up the Ducks’ unsung hero in Devante Smith-Pelly earlier this season, in a trade that had rookie Jiri Sekac go the other way. Lots of fans have criticized Bergevin for this trade, but they need to understand Smith-Pelly is the type of player who can really rise to the occasion come playoff time. He did it last year scoring 5 goals in 12 games. Results aren’t the only reason why he would be among the favourites to be the Unsung hero come playoff time. His rough western conference style of play gives the Habs an advantage that many teams in the east don’t have; a rugged power forward that hits anything that moves. Come playoff time that can really be intimidating. He had a rough start with the Habs but since being a healthy scratch last week has started playing better. He scored his first goal as a Hab on Sunday against the Panthers finally getting the monkey off his back. If he does in fact bring what he gave the Ducks in last year’s playoffs he could prove to be a very valuable asset.

P.A. Parenteau:

Oct 16, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau (15) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory

Credit

: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Parenteau had a very rough start with the Canadiens, which as of late has turned around. He seems more and more involved each game since returning from injury. He has proven that he deserves to be that top six forward that fills the gap on the top two lines. He has developed a good chemistry with former junior teammate, David Desharnais. It seems as though when P.A. is on his game, he really is but when he isn’t he really becomes completely invisible. If the Habs want to go far they will need the guy who plays hard and wants to win. When he wants to Parenteau can be a serious threat to other teams. During the playoffs, teams will be trying to shut down that Max Pacioretty line (with whoever is on his line with him). With Parenteau playing his game the best to his ability, he could provide the scoring depth that is needed.

Lars Eller:

Lars Eller had his struggles at times this year but he has been one of the team’s best forwards over the past month. He has contributed a lot on both sides of the ice. Much like Smith-Pelly he has the playoff results as he had 13 points in 17 games in last year’s playoffs. Some fans may say he was the Unsung hero last year. He has shown that he thrives in big games. He deserves a lot of credit for the work he does. He is finally having some offensive success with three goals and an assist in his last 5 games.  He is showing early signs that he is ready for another big playoff. Hopefully Eller can keep up this red-hot play throughout the playoffs.

Habs have two games left before the end of the regular season expect these guys to step up big in preparation for the Playoffs.

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