by Blain Potvin, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine
As the Canadiens defensive issues become even more glaring, Shea Weber not only travelled west with the team, but took part in his first full practice since his knee surgery in June.
Weber patine bien. Il endosse un gilet normal donc avec contact. #CH
— Chantal Machabee (@ChantalMachabee) November 12, 2018
Translation: Weber is skating with the team and wearing a regular contact jersey.
Somehow, the Habs have found a way to be competitive in a playoff hunt without their Captain and top defenceman. As of November 16th, the team has earned 23 points in 19 games played giving them a .605 point percentage.
The bright spot this season has been the Montreal offence. After 19 games they have scored 61 goals, just seven fewer goals than the much vaunted Maple Leafs offence. The Canadiens are currently 12th in goals per games played in the NHL.
Their even strength offense is more impressive given that the Habs power-play does not strike fear into the opposition. At a 12.7 percent efficiency, the Canadiens are 30th in the NHL on the power-play. In my view this says that the Canadiens are a dangerous team five-on-five.
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Despite this better than expected record, the Canadiens have a difficult time defensively having allowed 63 goals against in 19 games played for an average of 3.32 goals against per game. This is worse than last season`s average of 3.14. At this current pace the Habs will have allowed 272 goals, 14 more than last season, which would make them the fourth worst defence in last year’s standings.
The penalty-kill has steadily improved this season, However, at 81.3 per cent, the Habs are 12th in the NHL when short a player.
It is clear that the Canadiens are in desperate need of an upgrade defensively as Weber nears his return.
Weber faces the same questions and concerns as Andrei Markov did upon his return to the Habs after a serious injury. Just like Markov, it is expected Weber will return and continue to have a major impact while playing as a top pairing defender. Regardless of what his detractors may say, he is still one of the top shutdown defenders in the NHL whose game is not based on blazing speed but on a physical style backed up by a high hockey IQ.
That being said, even if Weber needs to ease back into playing his 28 plus minutes per game, his return will allow the depth chart to return to normal. Jeff Petry can return to his second pairing role. As his minutes decrease, so will his time facing top opposition. This will allow him to play in his comfort zone as a second pair defender with power-play time.
The shuffling will push Noah Juulsen down to a third pairing. While Juulsen has shown he is capable of playing on a second pair reliably, it is easily forgotten that he is still only 21 years old. This shift down the depth chart will allow him to face lesser opponents which will minimize his errors as he continues to develop.
While the usual story line of “who will play with Weber” returns, we have seen some positive strides from both Victor Mete and Mike Reilly, along with miscues in the defensive zone. In my opinion Reilly is further ahead, playing significant minutes while displaying his mobility. His play so far this season shows he can be a decent partner for Weber, as could Mete who can platoon into the role with Reilly.
More than likely the revolving door of partners will return with the addition of David Schlemko into the rotation as well. This internal competition will prove to be the best (and only) option until Marc Bergevin can finally find a way to acquire a true top pairing left handed defender.
Weber’s return will also have a significant impact on special teams. His placement on the power-play will be key as he still has one of the most feared shots in the NHL, not only due to its force but also its accuracy. Weber’s shot, by reputation alone, will force defenders to move up to him leaving more space down low where the 1-3-1 power-play set up will provide multiple shooting lanes that were not there before. This should add a few percentage points to the power-play in a short time.
On the penalty-kill, Weber’s addition will be felt as well. His ability to box out and defend the slot will be a big help to Canadiens goaltenders. Clearing out sight lanes with his physical play, cutting off cross ice passing lanes with his active stick and simple zone clearings will have a major impact as well. If the penalty-kill can improve to approximately 85 per cent, that improvement alone would be enough to help offset the penalties made from inexperience.
Weber’s steady play, leadership and experience will be a major addition to what is currently the NHL’s second youngest team. His return should help control the large swings in emotion and effort. This should impact the 5-on-5 play directly as well as minimize the amount of needless penalties taken as younger players or energy players lose control of their emotions and take needless penalties stemming from undisciplined play.
Fans need to keep in mind that Weber’s return doesn’t cement the Canadiens as a playoff team, though the addition of a true top pairing defender will certainly help their chances. What his return does do is help to significantly improve an exciting young team defensively which can only help during a long season.
Edited by Cate Racher, All Habs Hockey Magazine
