Montreal Canadiens Three Stars of the Week - Dec 30 to Jan 5, 2014

The Canadiens had an up and down week as 2013 gave way to 2014. With a 3-0 lead headed into the third period in Carolina, the Habs still found a way to end last year with a 5-4 overtime loss. It took a late PK Subban marker to even salvage a point in the match. Things got better as the Canadiens earned a wild 6-4 victory against the Stars Thursday. A solid final frame at home against the Senators on Saturday allowed the team to secure at least 1 point in each of the 3 games this week. All told, the Habs ended the week with a 1-0-2 record.


First Star: Max Pacioretty

Max Pacioretty had himself a 6-point week with a pair of goals in Carolina to go along with 2 goals and 2 assists in Dallas. The 4 goals moved Pacioretty into a tie for twelfth in that department, despite missing 9 games so far this season. To make the week that much more special, Pacioretty was nameed to Team USA for the upcoming Olympics, his first chance to fight for Olympic Gold.

Second Star: PK Subban

Despite ending the week in the penalty box while the Senators scored in overtime, PK Subban still had an impressive week for the Habs. Subban had 2 goals and 4 assists on the week, including a 4-point night in Dallas. He came up biggest in Carolina on Tuesday, scoring the third period goal that helped the Habs salvage a point against after the Canes opened the third with 4 straight goals.

Third Star: David Desharnais

When Max Pacioretty is producing, you can bet that David Desharnais is right there with him. The diminutive center had himself another strong week, racking up a goal and 4 assists over three games. Desharnais finished third in the chase for the Molson Cup for December as the Canadiens player of the month, with 11 points in 14 games.

Honorable Mention: Daniel Briere

Daniel Briere ended 2013 and started 2014 as a healthy scratch, but he made the most of his playing time when re-inserted into the lineup on Saturday. Briere scored 2 goals and added an assist in Montreal's 4-3 OT loss to the Sens. His goal in the opening minutes of the third period sparked a Canadiens comeback and helped them earn a point in each of their 3 games this week. Briere skated on a line with Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta, the linemates he played his best hockey with so far as a Hab.

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