Montreal Canadiens represented on the latest NHLPA Player Poll

The NHLPA did their latest Player Poll, and the Montreal Canadiens found themselves on six of the poll’s questions this year.

Given the contained and minimalist atmosphere of the NHL, it’s rare those who are outside of the room get to know what the players truly think. It’s rare moments like these where fans of hockey get some insight, granted in the form of a poll, of what goes on in their minds as far as who is the best at what besides the usual, “He’s a good player,” shpeal. Which brings us to this year’s NHLPA Player Poll which again had some representation from the Montreal Canadiens.

It was a tad different than last year’s having four categories (Skills, Players, Arena & Team, and Off-Ice) instead of five.

To kick things off again was Carey Price being named the league’s best goaltender with 29.9% of the vote. Others on the list included Pekka Rinne, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Sergei Bobrovsky but Price had a significant lead on all of them. Absolutely no surprise here and it’s good to see the league still acknowledges the 31-year-old as the best regardless of the season he had last year.

However, even if there were any doubters, his play this season is one of if not the biggest reasons why the Montreal Canadiens are still fighting for a playoff spot.

Next up had Shea Weber finish second in voting for the best shot. First, of course, was Alex Ovechkin which you can’t dispute but there is true power and fear behind the blast that the Habs captain has on that stick. His shot has helped him find the back of the net 12 times this season including his 200th career goal against the Anaheim Ducks.

The Montreal Canadiens came back in the polls in the Areas category. The Bell Centre finished second (21.2%) and first (29.6%) in arena with the best atmosphere and arena with the best ice respectively. Habs fans aren’t shy to voice their thoughts and feelings at the game. The pop that takes place there when a goal is scored is so bone-chilling and can amp up anyone on the team feeling out of it. On the other hand, their not shy to let you know when things aren’t going well.

Vegas has been tough to compete with given the performances they have each game both with the team and the arena staff. The stunts and productions that go down are tough to beat, even for the Montreal Canadiens.

But it’s no slight on the Bell Centre. When it’s a Saturday night game against an Original Six team, there’s no better place to be.

Youppi! was the next to get some love on the poll voted in as the third best team mascot at 2.4%. It was a landslide victory with the growth of Gritty this season (finishing first with 69.4% of the vote), but Youppi! has done his best in 2019 to give the Montreal Canadiens as many happy thoughts as possible. Even when the Habs didn’t show up.

Finally, in the Off-Ice category, Tomas Tatar claimed his crown winning best nickname with 5.6%. Tuna is a good one for the 20-goal scorer, but his name is also just fun to say, especially when you drag out the “Aaaaarrr,” try it for yourself.

Every team have their stars, and it’s good to see the Habs’ stars get recognition from the rest of the league. Price will always be Price, Weber’s shot is one to still be feared, and Tuna will be one of the reasons why the Montreal Canadiens continue to push for the rest of the season.

But it’ll be interesting to see when some of the other players on the team increase their stock such that they’re included in one of these polls down the line. Jesperi Kotkaniemi? Max Domi? Nick Suzuki? Only time will tell.