Montreal Canadiens: Will Bitten and Josh Brook steal the show
Montreal Canadiens prospect Will Bitten is finding another gear in the playoffs, but he’s not the only faction of the organization standing out.
Most series in the OHL and WHL playoffs hit three games already. Montreal Canadiens recent signing Hayden Verbeek and the Sault. Ste. Marie Greyhounds are in the best position among OHL teams as they already have a 3-0 series lead over the Saginaw Spirit. Verbeek did his part offensively scoring what later be the game-winning goal in the third period.
Michael Pezzetta, Will Bitten, and Josh Brook in are similar positions with 2-1 series leads while Cale Fleury and Jarret Tsyzka are on the other side of it down 2-1 to the Swift Current Broncos and Everett Silvertips respectively. Unfortunately, Scott Walford hasn’t played a playoff game for the Victoria Royals yet as he’s out with an injury.
There’s something else linking Bitten and Brook together, they both had stellar performances in their recent games. The 2016 third-round pick had a dominating night over the Ottawa 67’s scoring a goal and tallying three assists.
#Habs Will Bitten driving the net and cleaning up the rebound for his 2nd goal of the playoffs. Video credit: @BulldogsOHL pic.twitter.com/uuparkIxDX
— Canadiens Prospects (@cdnsprospects) March 27, 2018
Despite the stretch of pointless games ahead of the playoffs, it looks like Bitten is dialled in. The 19-year-old has already surpassed his point post-season point totals from last year (three goals in seven games). If Hamilton continues this presence over Ottawa, Bitten will have plenty more opportunities to add on to that.
Brook was the other faction of the Montreal Canadiens future making noise. The Moose Jaw Warriors momentarily blew a 2-1 lead and saw themselves down 4-2 late in the third period. With the goaltender out, the Warriors had less than two minutes to get something going to try to force overtime. Enter Josh Brook.
Don't count out the @MJWARRIORS yet though! @CanadiensMTL prospect Josh Brook gets the Warriors within one! #MJvsPA #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/wDF0eaRphC
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 28, 2018
Next: John Tavares and the Future
Everything about this goal proves that Brook is a player Habs fans should pay attention to. The 18-year-old was able to shake off a trailing defender and cut through all three zones to the net for the eventual goal. It was an incredible display of poise and mobility all of which have helped Brook have the season he’s had in a Moose Jaw uniform.