Galchenyuk On Fire, Players To Vote On Dissolving The Union And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Alex Galchenyuk of the Sarnia Sting is second in OHL scoring with
61 points in 33 games

I've mentioned before that one of the few positives to come from the lockout -if not the only positive - would be the lack of pressure on Alex Galchenyuk. The Habs have needed a star player ever since Patrick Roy was shipped to Colorado to help lead the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup championships, and Galchenyuk may very well be that star.

The need for an impact player became so crucial that for years the Habs have been rushing their prospects and in doing so, harming their development.

With the drafting of Alex Galchenyuk the last thing the Habs want to do is rush him. After an 83 point season in 2010-11, Galchenyuk injured his leg in a pre-season game last year causing him to miss all but two regular season games and six more in the post season.

Despite his talent and potential it seemed like a no brainer to let him continue his development in the OHL. Galchenyuk has been enjoying quite a season so far and without the NHL there is no pressure to call him up to the NHL. No chance to rush him to the big stage.

However, at a certain point you have to wonder if his domination of the OHL is enough of a challenge for him. While I was happy that there was no chance of throwing him in the deep end at the first sight of success, I never really expected him to have the type of year he is having.

The Sarnia Sting are 33 games into their season and after last night's five point performance in the Sting's 7-4 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs Galchenyuk is just one point behind Ryan Strome of the Niagra IceDogs for the league lead.

Gally's hat trick brought his goal total to 27 which ties him for first with Brett Ritchie, also an IceDog and Boone Jenner of the Oshawa Generals.

Since the beginning of Novemer, Galchenyuk has accumulated 18 goals and 38 points in 18 games. In December, he's notched 11 goals and six assists in just seven games.

With this type of success, I am starting to wonder if he has anything to gain by finishing the season in the OHL. It's always good to dominate in the minors before going pro but at this point it seems too easy.

If the NHL were to resume should the Habs call up Galchenyuk to let him get his feet wet or let him continue to taunt his opposition in th OHL?

Habs And Hockey News

- Mike Blunden celebrated his 26th  birthday with two goals including the game winner for the Hamilton Bulldogs in last night's 6-4 victory over the Rockford IceHogs.

- NHL players will start to vote today on whether or not to dissolve the union. The five day voting period will end Thursday.

- After three years without gold, team Canada has chosen to go with skill over grit at this years World Junior Campionships in UFA, Russia.


(Photo from http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2012/06/12/the-curious-case-of-alex-galchenyuk/)

Posted in: 2013 world junior championships,alex galchenyuk,Hamilton Bulldogs,mike blunden,montreal canadiens,nhl decertification,NHL Lockout,sarnia sting,team canada