Montreal Canadiens Quarter Season Report card:Forwards

The Habs have played 22 games thus far reaching the quarter mark of the season. it’s that time where the Habs forwards receive a grade for their play.

Forwards (in order from best to worse, only current habs)

Oct 18, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) shoots the puck against Colorado Avalanche goalie Calvin Pickard (31) during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Max Pacioretty ,8.9
Pacioretty is continuously being the best forward game in, and game out. He is leading all Canadiens players with 10 goals and 18 points. Not only is he continuing to produce at good pace but he has taken a new leadership role well. He now has a permanent role on the PK.

May 6, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec (14) reacts after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Tomas Plekanec ,8.7
Plekanec has been constantly playing well and even scored 5 goals in his first 4 games this season. He can now has more offensive role as Maholtra is taking a lot of the defensive roles away from him. However, he is still great on the PK forming a great duo with Pacioretty. He also has gained a lot of chemistry with Galchenyuk and is teaching him the way of an NHL centre.

Nov 13, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk (27) carries the puck into the Boston Bruins zone during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Galchenyuk, 8.6
Galchenyuk has taken a step forward this year in his development, and is showing signs that he can be a force for his team. He is showing his hands a lot more and leaving the opponent out to dry. Even when he isn’t scoring he is continuing to create chances. He often seems like the best player when the team is losing. He still has to learn but this 20 year old is on the right track.

Feb 27, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens right wing Dale Weise (22) during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Canadiens won 6-5 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Dale Weise, 8.2
Weise is on the 4th line so he doesn’t get a lot of ice time. However, the ice time he has gotten, has been put to good use. Dale has 4 goals and 9 points in 17 games. Not bad for a 4th liner. He is often used to play higher up in the line up when a player isn’t performing well, as he has gained some chemistry with Pacioretty in the process. He does nothing spectacular but he gets involved in the play making him a good unsung hero so far this season.

Oct 13, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Jiri Sekac (26) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jiri Sekac, 8.2
Sekac is showing Michel Therrien that it was a mistake to sit him out for 7 straight games in order for the veterans to play. The rookie is continuing to make Habs fans love him with his play. He is using his speed very well in order to create scoring chances. His shot can be very deadly when he gets the right chance. Ever since, he has returned in the lineup after being a healthy scratch, the team has won 7 out of its last 8 games. He has also got Lars Eller back on track playing on a line with him.

May 22, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) tries to get into position to defend the net against Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) during the first period in game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Brendan Gallagher, 7.9
Gallagher has been good but not great. He is doing his job, but the results aren’t there as they usually are. He continues to bring his team energy despite the lack of results, with his drives to the net. While also being target number 1 for the refs. With the energy he brings, he should be able to start producing at a decent pace again soon.

Oct 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller (81) tries to deflect a puck past Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) at the Air Canada Centre. Montreal defeated Toronto 4-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Lars Eller, 7.9
Eller started the season struggling to the point he was suppose to be a healthy scratch but drew into the line up at last second against the Blackhawks. Ever since, his former line-mate Rene Bourque got sent down to Hamilton and later traded Lars has been on fire putting up 4 goals in his last 8 games.  Including having goals in 3 straight games. Eller has shown a resurgence which should leave him to stay consistent with linemates jiri Sekac and Brandon Prust. (Edited)

Oct 4, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki (74) and Montreal Canadiens right wing Brandon Prust (8) fight during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Prust, 7.8
Prust has come onto the 3rd and has complimented his 2 line-mates very well. He does nothing spectacular but what he does do is go in the corners and get the puck for his skilled line-mates to set up scoring chances. He can however, bring his share of skill when needed. Prust has continued to be a team guy first, which means he will always protect a teammate when he needs to do so.

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

PIerre–Alexandre Parenteau, 7.5
Parenteau is a good playmaker which makes Pacioretty look even better at times. He also can get his fair share of goals however, for the most part his goals were scored in games where he had 2 , which shows his inconsistency. When he isn’t scoring or getting assists he often looks invisible.

Apr 4, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center David Desharnais (51) scores against Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Canadiens defeated the Senators 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

David Desharnais, 7.5
Desharnais isn’t the answer to be the team’s top line centre. He does have amazing puck handling skills, but the fact is his size continues to be an issue. He works hard but seems to be struggling at times. However, he is starting off much better than he did last year, let’s hope an improvement occurs.

Sep 25, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Manny Malhotra (20) before the game against Colorado Avalanche at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Manny Malholtra, 7.2
Maholtra has been amazing in the defensive zone on face offs when the game comes down to it. However he has done absolutely nothing offensively. But that’s not his job and he’s doing what is asked but it’d still be nice to see him produce.

Incompletes
Michael Bournival, 6.3 (incomplete)
In very small sample of games hasn’t done much to help his team. But his speed is an asset. Hopefully he will use it when he comes back from injury.
Drayson Bowman, 6.2 (incomplete)
He hasn’t done a lot to help but he has done a few minor things to be noticed.

It has been generally a good season so far for the forwards who of which are on the current roster. Hopefully this trend continues throughout the season as Habs continue their success