Jeff Petry
The Montreal Canadiens most reliable and consistent defenceman this season has been Jeff Petry. He signed a four-year contract extension before the season began and that new cap hit of $6.25 million is starting to look like a bargain.
Once again, Petry played a top four role, was used in all situations and excelled no matter what scenario was playing out. Him and his regular partner, Joel Edmundson, shut down the opposition while moving the puck up ice to Habs forwards in transition, and in the second period, Petry drove the bus offensively.
With the Canadiens on a power play, Petry was playing the quarterback position. He made a nice pass down low to Corey Perry at the side of the net and the veteran winger quickly got the puck to Brendan Gallagher in front who knocked in the Habs first goal of the night.
Two minutes later, with the Habs on another man advantage, Petry got the puck at the right point and moved into the slot. He unleashed a slap shot that beat Joey D’Accord and gave the Canadiens a 2-0 lead.
Norris front runner. pic.twitter.com/2UIUiEcszM
— A Winning Habit (@FSAWinningHabit) March 3, 2021
Petry would add an assist on the empty net goal to give him a three point night in the win.
Petry played well over 20 minutes, as he does every night, was great at both ends of the ice, and once again showed he is the best blue liner on the Canadiens roster. He is now up to 21 points in 21 games which puts him tied for the league lead among all defencemen in scoring.