First Half Check-Up Other Forwards

Finally, the checking forwards. our supposed depth. For posterity, here's how they did in the second 20 game stretch of the season.

Legend:

G, A, Pts, Dome - you know already
PM - Plus/minus
Ch +/- - Differential in scoring chances at even strength
Fenwick - Shots and missed shots for minus those against at ES
Corsi - Shots, missed shots and blocked shots for minus those against at ES

Jeff Halpern

Grade:

B+

Jeff was a different player in the first twenty games than he was in the second. That said, the surprise from him was the first twenty and not the second twenty. Even if he's no longer an offensive contributor, he still brings what the team supposedly sought when they signed him -- a solid NHLer who can play in a few different roles.

Mathieu Darche

Grade:

A-

Darche has had a very nice second quarter season. Playing from a variety of lines, he has more often than not provided a spark. Have a look at his Corsi and Fenwick columns to see that he completely outclassed whoever he was on against. The trouble that remains is that for all this, he is even in plus minus -- perhaps witness to the fact he is still a third line type scorer. Still an incredible asset to have found in the way the team did.

Travis Moen

Grade:

C+

Moen is quite a consistent player. I would never expect a horrible game from him. Nor would I expect to be blown away. When the team signed Travis, it was thought he could contribute in small bits when the other forwards might be on down cycles. I think we now know that is not what he can do. You hope in a slump that the 4th line might provide some spark. instead in these back to earth 20 games, Travis was outchanced as badly as almost anyone else.

Tom Pyatt

Grade:

B-

Last time I said something about how every team needs a player that can just play a responsible game, not get scored on and take a small salary for doing it. Pyatt does that. I don't have much more to say about him.

Lars Eller

Grade:

B+

Eller's been doing a lot of things right. Ultimately, though, at some point he has to learn how to turn doing a lot of things right into numbers that will help the team -- pushed in goal here or there, a penalty drawn. Despite what looked like a good improvement on first quarter numbers, Eller actually gets a downgrade. This is because in the second quarter he was promoted on several occasions and just failed to seize the moment. I'm not talking about not scoring gamewinners here, I'm talking about the fact his play suffered when he was moved up a line. he needs to work this out to make the next level.

David Desharnais

Grade:

N/A

The cat may be out of the bag now, but at 41 games there wasn't much evidence. David shows extraordinary skill at times, but is yet to show the St. Louis or Briere ability to make us forget he is small. We need more time to view him.

Maxim Lapierre

Grade:

D

This is a bit of a different review. He's getting a D mostly because he proved himself to be an unreasonable person who took a lot for granted. For a guy who had a horrible first season with the coach and then followed with a horrible opening 20 games, I was a bit shocked to hear he asked for a trade because he felt cheated of ice time. I think at times we felt cheated because he was getting too much ice time, no? It's a shame that Max asked for that trade, i never thought self-interest was what he was about.

Dustin Boyd

Grade:

D

Not a very good start to his Habs career so far. And to be in the shadow of a player with 11 goals and 20-odd points makes it worse. Dustin can't get such a low mark for his play, but I can only surmise that in practice and elsewhere he can't have impressed the coaches too much, as there would have otherwise been plenty of opportunity for him to play a few more games. With depth being as thin as it is in Habsland, don't be too surprised if Boyd makes a glorious recovery from Hamilton and is called back into the team.

First Half Check-Up Scoring Forwards

The scoring forwards are hanging on to that collective title by a thread lately. 20 games in, I don't think we saw it ending up here, but it has.

Here's where I thought the scoring forwards stood at the midway point.

Legend:

G, A, Pts, Dome - you know already
PM - Plus/minus
Ch +/- - Differential in scoring chances at even strength
Fenwick - Shots and missed shots for minus those against at ES
Corsi - Shots, missed shots and blocked shots for minus those against at ES

Tomas Plekanec

Grade:

A

An A is a lofty grade for a player on 64-point pace. But we mustn't forget that Tomas is so much more than points. Besides leading the team in points, assists, and often goals, he plays in a shutdown role and takes the brunt of the penalty killing duties. This stuff doesn't even show up in his gamelog because the sources that some stats are pulled from only seem to value ES. He's a coach's dream and the type of player you just can't buy in this league. We're fortunate to have have found him.

Michael Cammalleri

Grade:

B

Cammalleri's had many good games. However, the expectation for him is that he will be a threat, and often even a scorer and a difference-maker over many of the nights of hockey. Thus far, he hasn't really been that guy. The law of averages tells us that after the playoffs he had, he needed to endure a slower period like this. Even a player playing with Plekanec (as hot as he was at the beginning of the season) has not done too too well to basically put together two little streaks of productivity. The good news is that he's on track with his Fenwick trend, showing he is getting more shots through defenders than the opposition when he's on.

Andrei Kostitsyn

Grade:

B

This is a different kind of B than Mike's. Mike has been B all the way, whereas Andrei was easily an A through 20 games and has lost points through his slump. That remains an important distinction. Andrei has been excellent this season for a 20+ game stretch. How many can say that? Besides the tail off in goals, the reason to downgrade Andrei has to be the levelling off of his other metrics. While he's played well at times through his pointless games (see domes), he still could do better by finding the zip in his step and the killer look in his eye.

Scott Gomez

Grade:

B

Gomez kind of fell into a point streak in this second 20 games, After game 30, he was the prime offensive threat on the team for a stretch. Still, it does not elevate him from out of the B club. Again, this B is a very different kind. In November, Scott was rated a generous B- for the extra things he was doing en route to becoming the highest paid third centre in the league. We must take his play from Game 30 as hugely encouraging, however, as the shots on net stats show a very nice turnaround for his line lately.

Brian Gionta

Grade:

A-

Among the scoring forwards, his second 20 games was probably the best turnaround. When the team needed goals over the last 6 weeks, more often than not it was the captain chipping them in one way or another. He's a Corsi and Fenwick dream too, as he dominates his opponents in shots directed at the net (or just wide) when on the ice. For a team often missing oomph up front, and usually missing goal threats, he's a gem. A very good first half season as captain -- he's doing the C proud.

Max Pacioretty

Grade:

B+

I'm not sure has ever done so much to reinforce the notion that throwing the puck into the crease is the way to score. His first goal was an errant pass, I think 4 of his 5 points were. 5 points in 10 games is OK, but he doesn't get his mark for that. After all, some wouldn't score his goals or assists as scoring chances in the strictest sense (i.e., he got a tad lucky). All that aside, he has been a nice addition to the team. His new-found confidence has at least allowed him to unshackle his defensive tendency and play like a forward. During this stretch we needed that player.

Benoit Pouliot

Grade:

B+

The man without ice time has been the phantom of the scoring forwards. Strictly speaking, Ben should supersede Max and Kostitsyn when in a slump for minutes. There'd be a case to give him some of Cammalleri's minutes, I think too. What he's done with half a season for me is to establish that he's an NHL player, and even thinking about being a scorer in this league. I think all of that was in question last May. I'd like to see more flourishes from Ben, and timed so that martin has to try him with a proper feed. I think this B+ has the potential to go up if the right things happen.

First Half Check-Up Defence

20 games in, this was a well above average crew sitting near the top of the league in goals against and near the top of the standings for it.

Let's see where the defenders are now at the midway point.

Legend:

G, A, Pts, Dome - you know already
PM - Plus/minus
Ch +/- - Differential in scoring chances at even strength
Fenwick - Shots and missed shots for minus those against at ES
Corsi - Shots, missed shots and blocked shots for minus those against at ES

Roman Hamrlik

Grade:

B+

The Hammer went from being a plus player with sketchy supporting stats to a player just under neutral at ES, but with much improved Fenwick, Cosi and chance differential. His second twenty games included a 7-game span that he'd probably rather forget (as would Habs and fans in general), but it also contained a stretch where he was fully outstanding.for 11 games. Given his new brief to carry the biggest load on D, he has done remarkably well. And under the radar has been his steady point production that gives him the pace of a true offensive defenceman.

Jaroslav Spacek

Grade:

B

Spacek's had his ups and downs as well, yet I admire the way he recovers from his low points to return good efforts. If B is a nice solid, round, average grade, then that's what i give Spacek. He has been a steadying influence for the team and an important player for shadowing some top stars. he has shown more toughness than he gets credit for (have you ever seen anyone go face first into the boards so many times?), and he has done it performing an expanded role. I'd like to see him alter the play so that his Fenwick number soars a bit more, but -5 isn't all that bad.

Josh Gorges

Grade:

B+

Josh had a great great start. It definitely tapered off, and the surgery to the knee tells us why. Full credit to him for playing a career so far on a damaged joint, but I am wont to deduct points for pushing the envelope to the point that he was making the team suffer and that now his recovery date falls squarely in the summer. At his best this year, he could have laid his hands on the #1 mantle for the team, but he was too many games below his absolute top to warrant an A grade. The improvements must now wait till next year, next contract. They should include more care to chances being allowed and perhaps a little more courage to participate in the offense.

Hal Gill

Grade:

B+

Hal's often been the poorer cousin in his partnerships, but since Gorges started feeling the pain, I feel he has stepped up. And then there has been another step since Gorges went down. Gill has his limits, but the good thing with him is that he knows them well and has with experience worked out how to deal with many of them. I used to look at Hal Gill as a massive liability, but these days I look at him as a useful weapon, one that creates an advantage if deployed correctly. Penalty kill is the best example of his special skill, and he more than any player is responsible for the Canadiens excellence in this category.

PK Subban

Grade:

A

PK has been bitten with some goals against in the last 20 games, and a couple of those were due to some silly errors in judgment. Despite this, he continues to rampage in the new stats categories. It's truly impressive that a rookie can tip the ice surface so squarely in favour of his team as PK has done. For that he earns the top mark among defenders. It will be interesting to see how he copes with his expanding workload. So far so good, as he curtailing his search for the big hit a bit and beginning to skate again.

Alexandre Picard

Grade:

B+

Picard gets a lot of his impressive numbers courtesy of his smooth skating partner. But it would be unfair not to at least admit he provides the backing solid enough from which the assaults the other way can be launched. As time goes by, I consider the Picard acquisition more and more important in the scheme of things. After losing Markov again, and Gorges, it's a very good thing Gauthier made this acquisition in the summertime. Perhaps the biggest surprise with Picard is that he's not really an offensive defenceman at all. perhaps that's due to the energy it takes him to fulfill Martin's requests of him. Either way, I like him on the blueline at the moment.

James Wisniewski

Grade:

N/A

Whoknewski? I have to say it again. Replacing Markov was going to be impossible. But other than that the Canadiens needed to replace MA Bergeron. So far Wisniewski has done just that, and with a much more comforting style in the back end. I reserve the right not to rate him for 4 games in the first half. A continuation of his current play will ensure something quite generous, I'm sure. 5 points with an OT gamewinner is icing on the cake in this trade.

Yannick Weber

Grade:

B

Weber's another player who probably hasn't done exactly as expected. I'm sure he was brought in to provide seeing eye shots for the PP, but he hasn't done that. Even so, he's a much improved defender to the Weber of last season or the playoffs previous. His play to this point has been adequate for his role, and occasionally very good. I'd like to think he can improve even more and gain the confidence to become an offensive contributor. I'd like to think he can improve even more and gain the confidence to become an offensive contributor.

Andrei Markov

Grade:

B

No games. So I reinsert what I wrote at 20 games:

Markov's game time doesn't allow much analysis either. Still, in seven games he gave enough impression to earn a grade. While Markov left the ice hobbling as the best Canadiens Dman, his seven games were a build to that point. When first back, he was quieter. 3 games in he was ambitious, even dangerously so. And against Carolina, he wasn't starting to conduct the orchestra again.

It is a shame that he leaves as his impact was just beginning to be felt. You will note there has only been one 7 goal effort for the Habs this season, and though they've won an impressive number, few wins have left the lingering feeling of offensive juggernaut. That is probably the biggest loss with this injury. The defenders (as seen above) have all been working out how to defend, but few can put it together with the extracurricular offence the way Andrei does.

Ryan O'Byrne

Grade:

N/A

Smae with O'B. The 20 game take:

Not very much to judge him on, so I won't. He may thrive in Colorado and may yet be missed here.

First Half Check-Up Goaltenders

Game #41 against the Penguins was the turnaround point for the season - with all games from now on taking place on the home stretch. Though I missed the ideal time, I still wanted to share some thoughts and LIW gamelogs with you.

To start, the goalies.

Legend:
GP, W, L, OTL, GAA, Sv%: You know already
GS: Games started
ChSv%: Percentage of scoring chances saved

Carey Price

Grade:

A

Easily the surprise of the season to date was Carey Price's dash out of the gates. From Game #1 to Game #30, he didn't miss a dome nod, and you can see from his record that's because he was playing extremely well.

It's been a bit of a dip for Carey the last 11 games or so, but without anything disastrous.

The good thing about Carey this year is that he seems to win when he plays well and only lose really when he doesn't. There have been 5 reversals (2 wins when he played below average, and 3 losses that could have been wins) but this is way down from past seasons.

From here, it will be interesting to see whether his recent upswing is a recovery to early season form or just a blip while we wait for that to happen. It certainly would be great to have the goalie back who saved more than 85% of quality scoring chances (ChSv%) on most occasions. Especially given the prolonged losses of Markov and Gorges will continue to hamper both the defense and the offense by chain reaction.


Alex Auld

Grade:

A

The second big surprise of the season would have to be the lack of games for Auld. I think we all thought he was being brought in to do a job that Cedrick Desjardins couldn't manage. Turns out, he's mostly just here to listen to Joel Bouchard.

In the games he's played, Auld has done able work for the most part. He has yet to post a complete shambles of a game where GAA, Sv% and ChSv% are all to the dogs. For that reason I'd give him top marks. And top marks for pulling that off while weathering what must be a tough pill to swallow - the almost certain end of the road in the NHL.

41-Game Reviews All Round

Having checked Google Analytics recently, I could see not many of the readers were reading the top post, but not the second. I don't want to flog a dead horse: if you don't want to read it, that's fine. However, this post is my moving it up to sit at the top of the page again:

Midway Evaluations: The Habs And Their Half Seasons

And instead of simply moving the initial post, I thought the keenest among you might also want to look at someone else's opinion on this matter – to remember why you visit this site (or why this site isn't your only stop of the day).

When you commit to a player grade as you do when you write one of these things, reading other posts stirs up all kinds of emotions and arguments. So forgive me for posting these, but to me they were fun to read: ranging from light, fun and informative to downright polar opposite at times.

First up: RDS's Gaston Therrien
No marks here, just a fairly innocuous take on the season so far. The players he chooses to highlight: Lapierre (predictably), as well as Kostopoulos and Brisebois (huh?) are interesting...

Next: Arpon Basu at the Daily Hab-it
Actually makes the effort to list every player, and even commits to some hard-line opinions of his. Clearly we don't like the same players or brand of hockey, but LIW admires his conviction.

Third: Fred at En Route Pour La Coupe
We discussed his Tanguay rank before. His rankings are thorough and thoughtful.

Finally: Habsworld season averages of weekly marks and Habsworld Report Cards
For a site with such a great URL, you might expect a little better. The averages by their own legend mean we are a team of stars who under-perform with some good players who play at expectation. Every player on the team seems to range from 7.0-7.75. What's more, Guillaume Latendresse is the highest ranked forward – that kinda speaks for itself really...

Their report cards are not of a much higher standard. The article rightly gives the Canadiens as a team an A, but then gives a single player an A+ (Gorges), and a few As (Tanguay among the top of the class again – for those who use stats as cheat sheets). Hamrlik gets the second lowest mark on defence, behind Brisebois, Bouillon and even Dandenault!

It's a shame they don't post comments as there'd be some doozies there for sure...


Anyway, great first half. Even us fans must be congratulated for being rather more mature about winning this year. Here's to an even better end to the campaign.

Midway EvaluationThe Habs And Their Half Seasons

The Montreal Canadiens have rounded the post and are heading for home this regular season. Stats traders will have plenty to rave about with the team's 56 points in 41 games, as well as plenty to complain about – the powerplay for example.

The astonishing thing about this year's team has been the way points have just come to it. The beginning of the season was fraught with terrible defensive play for many of the games, yet the Habs piled up points. November was a period of gloom from the fans, yet the team squeezed 15 points out of 14 games. December and since has been peppered with important injuries, but the team rolls on. It seems like the team gets points despite itself, and just finds ways to win. And, suddenly without much brouhaha, we're at midway and the Habs are 5th in the NHL.


Much like the team's new penchant for the unspectacular, so go the individuals. That is not to say that there have not been moments of brilliance, because there have. Merely to say that you can't really stand back and point to one player, or even a couple on this team as an outsider without having watched the games. You can't lokk and say Malkin, Crosby or Carter, Gagne, Richards here. Each win has had a different hero (almost)

Fans of the Art Ross trophy are not following this edition of the Canadiens either. In fact, 26 teams in the NHL have a scorer ranking higher on the leaderboard than the Canadiens. The only ones to miss the feat were LA (Kopitar who is actually equal in points with Lang), Colorado (Stastny, who is one point back but has missed multiple games with injury) and the anemic Florida Panthers. If things continue as they have doe in the first half, poolers will be cursing the Habs and their 64-point men, while the top scorer on Montreal will be fighting it out for top 60 with 28 team's top scorers ahead of the pace.

But while the articles will flow about Kovalev, Plekanec and Higgins having worse seasons offensively; how many of them will note that the Canadiens are actually one of the top offensive teams in the league? Currently at 9th in goals scored, their per-game rate ranks them 8th (ahead of Pittsburgh even). How many will note that the Habs have become a Jennings trophy candidate without grossly cutting back on scoring?

When you read quotes like this one from Carbonneau:

"On a appris à gagner en équipe l’an passé," poursuit Carbo. "Lorsqu’il y a des moments difficiles, les gars se tiennent ensemble plutôt que de s’isoler."

"We've learned how to win", says Carbo. "When we have a difficult patch, guys now come together instead of isolating themselves."

you begin to get a feeling for what has changed over a couple of years. Winning is tantamount in the game plan. Stats and individual trophies: be damned. The heroes of the half season will be remembered for all kinds of things – leadership, effort, creativity and timely brilliance. The proverbial stats sheet can not tell you this story.

So, without further ado, here are the grades (school-style letter grades, from top to bottom) for the Montreal Canadiens first 41 games. You'll notice the marks are on the high side, but how could they not be, the Habs get a full A – someone must be responsible:

Forwards

1. Saku Koivu: A+
Koivu got off to a blazing start that even had the frostiest of media praising his exploits. His statistical contributions merit him a high grade. His contributions as leader and captain get him the top grade. Credit for a young team learning to win certainly goes the coaches, but one can't discount the example of Koivu, who all the way back to last year has shown he'll do anything, play with anyone to win. This year, again, he gave consistently excellent performances before his injury, despite losing his sniper and being given another rookie to foster. If for nothing else, the creation of Matt D'Agostini the goalscorer, makes Saku an A+.

2. Alexei Kovalev: A
For those of you who thought Kovalev was an enigma – you were right. For those of you who thought you had him figured out as an on/off type player – I respectfully submit that you are wrong. What we have seen for the first time in Alexei's Canadiens career is the off the scoresheet great game from Kovalev. Not just one, in fact, but many. Even the TV crew had to admit that Kovalev was hardly slumping when he didn't socre a goal for a quarter of a season. Even if his totals hadn't started to round out nicely, and even if he wasn't the team points leader (tied), he would be getting high marks from me. He is the number one penalty killer among the forwards now, and not because he scores on breakaways, but because of his defensive play. He has also strengthened his claim by leading the team to a 9-3-1 as captain.

3. Andrei Kostitsyn: A
No player on the Habs has been as offensively tricky than Andrei Kostitsyn. He has been player of the game a whopping 9 times for us, and 5 times named first star. His goals are both memorable and meaningful. And, if you're still not convinced, try this stat play which shows how he make every player he has played significant minutes with (barring Ryan O'Byrne) a better offensive producer.

4. Robert Lang: A
Apart from being a pleasant surprise for the Canadiens, Robert Lang has literally brought his A-game to the table. Like Koivu, he has been a great example to aspiring forwards – taking his orders and delivering no matter what they are. His 16 goals also include 3 game winners, and he has scored more than a few game-changing goals to boot.

5. Maxim Lapierre: A
Something has happened to Maxime Lapierre this season. He has matured from player who skates around, chasing the puck and doing a fine job at hounding to one who wants to control the play when he is on the ice. He no longer looks for the best chance to get off for a line change, rather he looks at the opposition and makes a plan as to how he and his line will keep/take the puck. 54.4% on faceoffs, 8 goals and the ability to play in any situation point to Maxim as one of the main reasons the Habs have more points as of Game 41 this year.

6. Alex Tanguay: B+
I think we are all slowly learning what Alex Tanguay is all about. I think the Keenan's among us (those who'd rather play Benoit Brunet hockey than Alexei Kovalev hockey) can see why he didn't make it in Calgary. But look at the stats sheet and you can see why he has been a major scorer for years. Alex plays innocuously, but scores regularly. He does not make opportunities through force, but slides into good positions to make the difference. He gets a B+ for being involved in so many goals, but tailing off from his early A form.

7. Tom Kostopoulos: B+
Every shift from Tom Kostopoulos is full value. This year he has added better decision-making to his arsenal which has led to the formation of a very strong third line for the Habs, and major contributing line during the latest winning streak. Unfortunately, his 3 goals speak the truth, and I can't think of thousands of opportunities missed (like Higgins). He does an admirable job on the higher lines, but his talents stil suit the lower ones.

8. Tomas Plekanec: B+
He lives well with a slump, I've taken note. In the mould of the Habs, Tomas is a statistically-poor, yet win-rich player. He plays in all the important situations and still gets the second most ice among forwards. What's more, how many games can you go home and question Tomas' effort. No longer a rookie, but a veteran, his ability to commit to team winning in times of costly slump (for that new contract), speaks of his value to the team. Plus, no one is faster – that alone makes him invaluable.

9. Max Pacioretty: B+
With very few games to go on, it's hard to evaluate Max – especially considering his predecessor D'Agostini's career path thus far. Though goal in first game and 4 points in 5 is A material, he has been the beneficiary of being on the number one line when it is firing properly again. High marks, to be confirmed by a second half of games.

10. Christopher Higgins: B
Higgins can't hit a zamboni any more with a puck, but apart from that he is a fine player. Unfortunately this season has been tumultuous for Chris. His initial return from injury was a team-changing event (and not for the better), and the rest of his season is mainly memorable for injury. Apart from a hat-trick against Ottawa, he has been statistically poor. But as pointed out, his play away from the scorecard has been good as ever. Strangely, his latest injury seems to have carved him a role, as the Lapierre-Latendresse duo is crying out most nights for someone a little bit more adept than Tom Kostopoulos (and his ceaseless effort).

11. Matt D'Agostini: B
I don't want to fault the scorer too much for being streaky. Those who come beneath are just as streaky if less prolific in good times. 6 goals in 19 NHL games is no laughing matter, nor are the 19 games for that matter. Still, given the seniority and the reserves coming back, a B will not be enough to be a Canadien come April and he msut re-find his original form.

12. Sergei Kostitsyn: B
Highs and lows from SK74 over 41 games. His highs are high and he has now been named first star a team-second 3 times. He has 5 PP goals on a terrible PP thus far as well. His attitude has been questioned and problematic at times, but it's a lot to expect every 20 year-old to make adjustment to the league in less than a year. In short he's been good.

13. Guillaume Latendresse: B
Another player with high and lows who's been mostly good is Guillaume Latendresse. His abilities include the Tanguay space-finding and a good shot, but unfortunately exclude perfect judgment and the ability to seize an opportunity. Still young, these things must be learned of course. A B is a good mark for Latendresse.

14. Kyle Chipchura: B
Considering his limited ice time so far, I've been impressed. His puck shielding and winning abilities are easily NHL-calibre. He needs to grasp a chance and hold on, as well as learn how to win a faceoff to make sure he jumps into the top 12 forwards on this list by season's end.

15. Steve Begin: B-
A fifteenth forward with a B- or higher – I told you the Habs were good and I'd show it. Begin has been his usual reliable self. He gives all the energy he ever did and makes up the energetic part of the energy line. His place, though, is far from guaranteed by this play as new players show us that keeping the puck and winning it back doesn't take Steve Begin expediture, and is actually a much more efficient way to win a game.

16. Mathieu Dandenault: C+
Mathieu Dandenault played very well for Mathieu Dandenault. The problem for him being, he is not competing with himself for grades, nor a place on the team. I can live with a forward who is fast and plays to basically disconcert the other team for a minute at a time like Dandenault, but not when there's someone on the bench who can do that and more. Mat's place in the line-up may have come and gone, but his place in the entourage has not. His exemplary attitudes and hard work must surely be helping this young team develop.

17. Ben Maxwell: C
Another difficult case. Ben seemed well out of his depth in the NHL. If marks are to be earned, he has a lot left to do.

18. Georges Laraque: D
No one expected Georges to play well. But I think we expected him to fight, maybe even intimidate someone once in a while. So far, he has fought injury more than anyone else. His ridiculous stance on the Lucic fight made a mockery of him and his place on this team. If not for some surprisingly sound shifts (though far worse than any conceivable replacement) keep him from failing the first half.


Defencemen

1. Andrei Markov: A+
The maestro. It is no exaggeration to say that as goes Markov, so go the Canadiens. He is rarely the cause of a loss, but can often be the inspiration in a win. The key to Markov's game is that he takes care of defence first, and then steps forward and organises attacks. As he flirts with the league lead in Dman scoring, he does so on a team that plays for wins first (Streit, Souray, ahem). In addition to being the most worthy all-star from the voting bonanza, he also looks the most likely trophy threat.

2. Roman Hamrlik: A
Teams can't win with just one great defenceman. There have to be options. Hamrlik is the perfect option. Like Andrei, he takes care of defence first. His calming influence on everyone, including O'Byrne, Brisebois, Bouillon and the viewers, is invaluable. When he plays well the team plays well, too – hence a good first half. The transformation of the Canadiens from playoff outsider to this could be traced to Souray for Hamrlik without too much reaching, you know.

3. Josh Gorges: A
Josh has been playing top defence. His A is not a "well done" to a previously underrated player, but full recognition of quality NHL defending over half a season. He is so committed to positioning, it's pleasure to watch him away form the puck. Also as willing as any leader on the team, and the most sensible of interviewees. You want a future captain from this young team, don't overlook this guy.

4. Francis Bouillon: B
The sharp drop-off in marks here is no typo. The fact is Bouillon is tops in a different tier of defenders. His mistakes are not for want of effort, but mistakes there are. Still, you don't get Jennings trophy defence from C-grade defenders and Francis is a fine 5th option. I'm sure one of the picks form around the league in that regard.

5. Mike Komisarek: B-
First Mike learned how to play good defence in the NHL. Next he learned that people were really impressed with high numbers in the checks and blocked shots categories. He forgot from his first lesson that the two aren't synonymous. This season it seems like Mike is on a mission to lead the league in one or both categories. He hits for the hit, often putting himself out of position; and he plays goalie when we already have 2 of the best. A trip back in time about one season would make him a remarkable defender again, maybe even worthy of his all-star nod. I could do without all the stats.

6. Patrice Brisebois: B-
Most NHL defenders lose loads of battles. Patrice is no different. As a 6th man back there, he has been doing well enough. Sure there have been plenty of mistakes, but the way he had been playing had limited the damage as he was never trying to do too much in the first place. A return to egomania could be his undoing – let's hope not. A return to his self-limiting play of the early season would be most welcome if he has to be dressed over Weber.

7. Ryan O'Byrne: C
The worst thing he did was make a rookie mistake. That was not the problem, the problem was that the best was not good enough – he did nothing to distance himself from rookie play. He was understandably unsettled by an own goal and all the attention, but truth be told, he wasn't great before that instant in time. He gets a passing grade only because the Canadiens were still a good team with him in the lineup.

8. Yannick Weber: N/A
15 minutes is not enough to give a solid impression of Yannick. I hope for more minutes, and soon.


Goaltenders

1. Carey Price: A+
Top ten in multiple categories in NHL rankings, his contribution to the Habs has been undeniable so far. His value to the fan, as we've seen during Halak's reign, is that he positions himself so well and so far ahead of the play that many saves look too easy. Only a year into his career, to be A+ on a 56-point team midway through the season is an impressive feat. Tough tests to come though, no doubt.

2. Jaroslav Halak: B+
It's been an up and down half season from Jaro. Cruising at first with top-rate efficiency, but now wins. Lately, more wins but more goals against too. On average he has been very good: 9 wins and 19 points in 17 games with a great .910 save%. Playing in Carey's ever-increasing shadow has been difficult, but Jaro has done admirably. A capable back-up, capable of even better – not a bad situation for the Habs.

3. Marc Denis: N/A
7 shots against. Not enough to evaluate the would-be comebacker. That Carbo sticks with Halak so devoutly is telling for me, though.