The Montreal Canadiens had a busy week playing four games in 7 days, finishing the four game stretch 2-2-0. Winning games against the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders (in a shootout) and losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers.
Third star of the week: Brendan Gallagher
Brendan Gallagher proved he is a vital piece of the Montreal Canadiens success once again this week as he notched two goals in the win against the Washington Capitals and two assists in the loss to the New York Rangers. Gallagher has always been one of the heart and soul players on the Montreal Canadiens and it’s no surprise to see the Habs winning games when he finds a way to contribute offensively.
This week was a perfect example of what Gallagher does well. He is an above average offensive player but what he really does that makes him effective is winning battles. No matter where they take place, on the half wall or in front of the net it seems that Gallagher will more often than not come out of the battle with the puck.
This is Gallagher’s second appearance on the Weekly Warriors as one of the top performers of the week for the Montreal Canadiens, and with the offensive production Gallagher continues to produce it likely will not be the last time either.
Second star of the week: Tomas Tatar
This is the first time that Tomas Tatar has appeared on this list. Tatar is a talented offensive player and has proved to be a very vital piece of the Canadiens early season success. Tatar was acquired by the Canadiens in the Max Pacioretty deal earlier this year.
Tatar managed to produce 4 points notching two assists against the Washington Capitals as well as two goals in the loss to the Rangers. The more Tatar produces, the better and better the Max Pacioretty trade looks. Tatar was certainly not the prized asset when he was acquired. However, he has been a big contributor to the offense.
Tomas Tatar has always been a pretty electrifying offensive talent; when he was in Detroit with the Red Wings, he was a driver for a team that struggled to score goals. When he was shipped to Las Vegas, he didn’t get a true chance to play and contribute, but he is showing what he can do now that he’s in Montreal playing a significant role again.
First star of the week: Max Domi
This week Max Domi scored four goals in 4 games, he also managed to add an assist in the game against the Islanders. Domi has been a star for the Canadiens this season looking like a 12th overall pick for the first time in his career.
Without Domi, the Montreal Canadiens would be in a lot of trouble this season. The Canadiens have some talent on their roster, but without Domi’s continued production it’s hard to believe that this team would be where there are at the beginning of November.
If Domi continues this pace for the remainder of the season he very well might find himself in the conversation for the Hart trophy at the end of the season, just willing the Canadiens into the playoffs much like Taylor Hall did last season for the New Jersey Devils.
Max Domi is starting to make the Montreal Canadiens front office look phenomenal and forget the player he was traded for in Alex Galchenyuk who’s only played seven games this season.