Montreal Canadiens: Emelin is a Physical Force to be Reckoned With
Montreal Canadiens Defensemen Alexei Emelin has developed into one of the Habs best Defensemen. He’s also benefited from playing with Shea Weber.
The buzz that surrounded the Montreal Canadiens during the preseason was all about the off-season acquisitions. The Media, and Fans were anticipating how new players, like Shea Weber, would gel with the Habs current roster. In fact many wondered what defenders would be paired up with Weber.
Hypothetical line pairings usually came down to Defensemen that complement each other with their style of play. Like having an offensive Defensemen, playing with a shutdown defender.
Many people guessed that Nathan Beaulieu would be given the opportunity to be a top pairing defender. Some wondered if Markov had enough speed to complement Weber. Also, some felt that if Markov was to slow, the team should put Jeff Petry and Weber together.
When the season started, Nathan Beaulieu was put on the top pairing with Weber. However, only after a few games in to the season, and Beaulieu was removed from the top pairing. Beaulieu would be replaced by Alexei Emelin. Head Coach Michel Therrien’s decisions raised a few eye brows initially (I wasn’t supportive), but so far, it’s been awesome.
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Intimidating Force
Emelin is often criticized because of the big cap hit that he carries. Alexei has a four million dollar cap hit, which is often looked at as overpaid, because Emelin doesn’t bring much to the table offensively. But Emelin’s true value, is in what qualities he brings to the table defensively.
Emelin is a physical force that hits like a truck. Alexei is constantly catching opposing players off their guard, and delivering highlight reel hits. For example, look at how hard he hit Colorado Avalanche Forward Joe Colborne a few weeks ago, in the video below.
The Canadiens were winning this game 10-1 in the third period, and many people didn’t like this hit because of the games situation. However, shouldn’t all players compete until the end of play, or until the game is over. Emelin was doing that against Colorado, and he has done this all season long.
In the 39 games that Emelin has played this season, he
. That puts Emelin third overall fourth overall in the league in hits, and second overall among Defensemen. Alexei has become one of the most feared players in the NHL because of his aggressive checking.
Valued Defender
Emelin has always been a very aggressive defender, but his play has been a lot steadier this season. Alexei playing alongside Weber has only enhanced his play, and made him a better Defensemen. Although, Emelin will never be a big producer offensively, but he helps the Habs in so many other areas.
Emelin has only scored five points this season, but he brings qualities that are very valuable, and aren’t easily replaceable. Toughness, Grit, and the ability to hit like a possessed train! These qualities either annoy opponents, or strike fear in them.
The cap hit is high on Emelin, and it would be great if he could provide more offensively. However, how many other defenders bring that amount of tenacity to the Habs blue line? Pateryn and Weber are both physical, but Emelin’s willingness to be aggressive, and hit, sets him apart.
Next: Canadiens Trade Options: Plekanec on the Trade Block
Weber and Emelin have become one of the most physical tandems in the NHL, and is dreaded by the opposition. The Canadiens haven’t had a defensive pairing play this physical in decades. This is the type of old school shut down pairing the Canadiens need, come Playoff time.