As the first week of the 2013-2014 NHL campaign comes to a close, the NHL released its choices for the three stars of the week. First star went to Alex Ovechkin, who netted four goals, and 2 assists, absolutely dominating the power play. Lars Eller took second star as he scored three times (one of which a game winner) and two assists. Third star honours were given to Marc-Andre Fleury as he appears to be having a bounce back year boasting a .50 GAA and a .979 SVP. With Eller being awarded this honour it is a huge confidence boost to him and his team. So far this season, Eller has truly showed his dominance on the ice and his ability to control the game.
Therrien has Lars playing on a line with last year’s Calder Trophy finalist Brendan Gallagher and 19-year old phenom Alex Galchenyuk. This trio of young talent has arguably been the biggest impact line on the team. All three have put up excellent points to start year, Eller with 5 points, Gallagher with 3 and Galchenyuk with 4. What is so amazing to me is that they have had such an impact while playing such few minutes per game as Gallagher is averaging 13:49, Galchenyuk 15:02 and Eller with slightly more, averaging 17:31. It would be interesting to see how they would do if they were given top line minutes as a unit.
The biggest question mark facing most Habs fans is whether or not these numbers are sustainable throughout an 82-game (80 remaining) schedule. In my opinion, it would be unrealistic to believe that Eller could continue averaging 2.5 PPG (on pace for 205 points on the year). However, with that being said, I think Canadiens fans should prepare themselves for what is sure to be the future of Montreal. Lars Eller is certainly capable of scoring 30+ goals in a season, and has the hockey I.Q and playmaking ability to rack up the assists – especially if he is playing on a line with dedicated, hard-working players like Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher.
Eller has made huge strides into becoming the player he is today. His biggest problem when he first came to Montreal was discipline, and being a young player that is an understandable obstacle to overcome. This season he picked up one penalty in the season opener, which was a questionable call and is difficult to say whether it should have even been a penalty. However, statistically it counts. If Lars is able to keep his PIMs down, Therrien’s confidence in his ability to play in tight situations is only going to be on the rise.
Another big step he made was to put on more muscle and get bulkier. Each season he has returned to training camp bigger, stronger, and more competitive. This is the exact type of player Montreal needs. Eller is the perfect size, at 6’2 and between 210-215 lbs. He is a good size to throw his big hits and battle hard in the corners, but his size does not take away from his ability to skate, as both agility and speed are important to his game.
Lars Eller is, and will continue to be a big impact player with the Montreal Canadiens. His ability to be an offensive dynamo and a shut-down defender makes him the go-to guy in all types of situations.
Eller’s offensive game really came on in the second half of the lockout-shortened season last year. After an ugly injury in the playoffs, it looks like he’s come back even better so far in this young season. Again, I don’t believe that he will maintain a 205-point-pace (I doubt we’ll ever see a return to 1980s-type numbers), but if he can continue to produce offensively, he provides the Habs with a big and powerful point producer. He could very well be the big centre the team has craved for years. It can really provide a new dynamic for the Habs offence, and provide support for the smaller skilled players who have dominated the team dynamic for so long.
His numbers and impact thus far clearly prove that he deserves the honour of being named the NHL’s second star of the week, and I truly look forward to what this budding star is able to do throughout the next 80 games this season.
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