by Jocelyne LeBlanc, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine
MONCTON, N.B. – So far this season, the Montreal Canadiens have played fourteen games and have a record of nine wins, four losses and one overtime/shootout loss. They’re currently on a three-game winning streak and are ranked second in the Eastern Conference with 19 points.
Players to Watch for the Week of February 17 to February 23, 2013
Rene Bourque
Bourque is the only Canadiens player who is currently on a two-game point streak with three points (two goals, one assist) in his last couple of games. He is currently ranked second on the team with 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) in 14 games.
Tomas Plekanec
Plekanec has recorded two points in his last three games (one goal, one assist) and is currently leading the Canadiens with 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists) in 14 games.
Andrei Markov
Although Markov hasn’t recorded any points in the last four games, he’s still ranked third among his teammates with 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in 14 games. He is certainly due for another point streak.
Raphael Diaz
Diaz is the fourth Habs player who has at least ten points. He is currently ranked fourth on the team with 10 assists in 14 games.
Of the eight goals the Canadiens recorded this past week, only one was scored on the power play. On a positive note, only one goal was scored against them while they were a man down. However, the Montreal Canadiens still remain the most penalized team in the entire NHL.
Listed below are their upcoming four games:
Monday, February 18th – Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens
This will be the first time the Canadiens and Hurricanes will face each other this season. They played each other four times last season with both teams winning twice. Last season against the Hurricanes, P.K. Subban recorded four points, while Tomas Plekanec and David Desharnais each tallied three.
This will be the first time this season the Canadiens and Rangers will play each other. In four encounters last season, both teams won twice. Last season against the Rangers, Tomas Plekanec produced six points, while Max Pacioretty and Erik Cole each recorded five.
Thursday, February 21st – New York Islanders at Montreal Canadiens
This will be the first time this season the Canadiens and Islanders will face each other. They faced each other four times last season with both teams winning twice. Last season against the Islanders, Max Pacioretty tallied five points and Tomas Plekanec recorded four.
Saturday, February 23rd – New York Rangers at Montreal Canadiens
This will be the second time in four days the Canadiens and Rangers will play each other. They will also face each other on Tuesday, February 19th.