Montreal Canadiens: Top 5 Shea Weber Goals as a Canadien
News emerged this week that Montreal Canadiens’ captain Shea Weber is severely banged up and would potentially miss the entirety of next season. Some speculated that Weber may consider retiring as his injuries would not allow to play with the intensity and grittiness we are all used to seeing from the man mountain.
Weber has been a pillar on the back end for the Canadiens for five years after being acquired from the Nashville Predators. After the departure of Max Pacioretty, Weber was named captain of the Canadiens and has been a true leader on and off the ice. Over the years, Weber has shown Canadiens’ fans his booming shot and heavy defensive play.
With the future of Weber unknown beyond next season, let’s take a look back at Weber’s top 5 goals as a Montreal Canadien.
#5 First as a Hab
Soon after bein acquired from Nashville, Weber didn’t take long to introduce his signature shot to the Bell Centre faithful. In his first home game as a Canadien, Weber assumes his shooting position at the left point on the power play and unloads a rocket. A goal that Weber himself and fans alike will never forget.
#4 Defenseman turns forward
Weber is not known for being a quick skater or overly deceptive with the puck, so it is very rare to see the 6’4 229 pound defenseman score on a wraparound. In a game against Pittsburgh, Weber blows by an unsuspecting Penguins’ defenseman and fakes as though he is going to throw a backhand on goal. Instead, Weber swiftly glides around the outside of the net and tucks the puck into the far side, leaving Penguins’ goaltender Tristan Jarry with no chance. It is very rare to see such finesse from Weber, which makes this goal that much more spectacular.
#3 Eye-hand on point for the captain
Two tries for the big man. Here we take a look at another power play goal from Weber. After having his first shot attempt blocked, Weber has the puck fly up in the air and land directly in his wheel house, giving him another chance to unleash his lethal slapshot. In one fluent motion, Weber picks the bouncing puck cleanly as soon as it hits the ice and blows it by the unexpecting Kings’ goaltender for his 100th power play goal in the NHL. Pretty impressive stuff.
#2 There’s no stopping that one
As witnessed in this years rendition of the playoffs, the Montreal/Toronto rivalry is one of the best in all of sports. There’s nothing better than the Habs and Leafs facing off on a Saturday night in front of a capacity crowd at the Bell Centre. The electricity of the crowd and the timing of this goal is what makes it so memorable. Tie game half way through the third and the Canadiens are on the power play. Weber sets up between the circles and lets one off the chain to give the Canadiens the lead and what eventually turned into the game winning goal. Watch, listen, and enjoy the captain sending the Bell Centre into a frenzy.
#1 Signature Shea
Going into the 2021 playoffs, it was well known that Shea Weber was no where close to 100% health wise. He was seen wearing a cast on his thumb and ultimately suffered through a lot of pain during the playoffs to help his team get to the Stanley Cup finals. Weber played heavy hard hockey and was very impressive during the playoffs and what makes it that much more impressive is learning of the severity of his inuries after the playoffs were over. A true warrior.
Weber only had one goal during the Canadiens’ playoff run, but it was a big one. With Montreal leading the Conference final series 3-2 over the Golden Knights, Weber got the all important first goal of the game in game 6. It was a classic Shea Weber heater to get his team on the board when it mattered the most.
The celebration from Weber might be the most emotion he has ever shown in a Canadiens’ uniform. However next season and beyond goes for the captain, he has been a true leader and warrior. Best of luck to #6 and get well soon.