Montreal Canadiens Three Stars of the Week - Jan 13 - 19, 2014

The Canadiens had a rough go of things last week, taking just 2 of 6 points and giving up 5 in return to Eastern Conference rivals. Martin Brodeur earned a first star for his part in the Devils' 4-1 on Tuesday in what may have been his final game in Montreal. On Thursday in Ottawa, the Canadiens needed a third period goal just to draw even after blowing a 3-0 lead. Luckily, PK Subban's overtime heroics were enough to earn the Habs a 5-4 win over the Sens.

The Canadiens had their hands full with the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Saturday, they rallied back from down 3-1 to draw even midway through the third on a David Desharnais redirect, but James Van Riemsdyk put the Leafs ahead for good with about five minutes left to play. Joffrey Lupul was awarded a goal when he was slowed down on a breakaway with the Habs net empty, sealing the 5-3 win for Toronto.

First Star: David Desharnais

Desharnais missed Tuesday's games with flu-like symptoms but bounced back with a goal and an assist Thursday against the Sens and capped the week off with what was at the time a game-tying goal in the third period on Saturday. Since his horrendous start to the season, where he earned just 1 point in his first 19 games, Desharnais has bounced back to become the team's most consistent scorer, picking up 23 points in his last 27 games.

Second Star: Carey Price

It was a rough week for the Habs' star netminder, he faced 91 shots and allowed 11 goals for a less than stellar .879 save percentage. But Price was also the biggest reason the Habs were able to come away with any points making stop after unbelievable stop Thursday night in Ottawa and coming away with 40 saves on the night. Carey Price picked up second star honors in the nation's capital for his efforts, it was the only star any Habs player earned all week.

Third Star: Max Pacioretty

Max Pacioretty was the only Canadien to pick up points in all three matches this week, tallying 2 goals and an assist in 3 games. He was Montreal's lone goal scorer Tuesday night against New Jersey. Pacioretty also ended Montreal's power play drought with his marker Thursday night during the Habs' only power play against the Senators.

Honorable Mention: Brian Gionta

The Canadiens' captain picked up a goal and an assist this week but was a big reason the Habs were able to earn two points in Ottawa. Gionta set up the game-tying goal with a stretch pass to Tomas Plekanec late in the third. He also freed up the puck in OT, setting the table for PK Subban's game winning goal. Saturday night, Gionta scored with less than 15 seconds remaining in the second period to bring the Habs within a goal with a period left to play.

Posted in: carey price,david desharnais,max pacioretty,montreal canadiens,Three Stars,Tomas Plekanec