It's Time for Weber, Pacioretty

Posted 6:11 PM ET | Comments 3

The Habs' powerplay needs a shake-up.

Going from 3rd in the league in 07-08 (24.1% on the PP) to 22nd this season (18.6% on the PP) is unacceptable.

While the offensive presence of Mark Streit is missed, the Habs still own some talented offensive defenseman to fill the void. At the moment, however, experiments in the form of Alex Tanguay continue to fail. Tanguay belongs upfront with the likes of Saku Koivu and Alexei Kovalev, not on the blue-line with Andrei Markov.

Considering the Habs are experimenting anyway, why not call-up Yannick Weber and Max Pacioretty?

While Weber has only garnered 2 goals and 7 points in 19 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs, the 5-10, 195 pound offensive defenseman was impressive during the NHL preseason.

Weber, 20, has been establishing himself as top-tier Canadiens prospect ever since his performance for the OHL's Kitcher Rangers (59GP, 20G, 35A, 55PTS, 79PIM) and for the Swiss' WJC club (6GP, 2G, 4A, 6PTS).

Weber's skill set makes him most effective on the PP. The 73rd overall pick for the Canadiens has great hockey sense, allowing him to find holes on the man advantage. He also possesses a big shot, a quality the Habs have been lacking on the back-end.

That said, Weber's age can potentially hold him back. If his game is not developed at an NHL level, then the Canadiens can send him back down and no harm is done -- sending them right back to square one.

Upfront, the Habs are loaded with skilled forwards, the only problem, however, is the majority of them are small in stature. In come Max Pacioretty, age 20, and his 6-1, 205 lbs. frame to save the day.

Pacioretty, drafted 22nd overall in 2007, is your prototypical powerforward. He'll produce points and wreak havoc for the opposing goaltender.

Pacioretty is exactly what the Habs are lacking -- a big body upfront that can screen the goalie and sacrifice his body to make a play. While young, he displayed a tremendous amount of maturity and poise during his preseason stint with the Canadiens.

Like Weber, he's worth the experiment. If it fails, then the Canadiens are right back to where they started.

Whatever the case, something must be done if the Habs wish to find success on the PP again. If Bob Gainey has to explore the trade route, then so be it.

Ignoring the issue will give the fans a fairly non-eventful 100th anniversary -- unless you consider taking over the all-star ballot an accomplishment.

Filed Under: powerplay Habs Pacioretty Weber hockey

Predaceous

November 27, 2008 9:13 PM ET | Delete
Is it too late for Weber and Pacioretty to start in the All-Star Game?

TheHabsFan

November 28, 2008 7:52 AM ET | Delete
Nice Blog Ron. I'd have to say that I would be ok with bringing Weber on board as a number 6 with spot duty on the PP. Pacioretty however shouldn't be our first forward call-up. D"Agostini, who is currently in Washington, has been on a tear in the AHL and deserves a shot. Pacioretty is slowly starting to get going and calling him up ahead of D'Ags would be devastating for Matt's confidence.

habster_31

November 29, 2008 10:43 AM ET | Delete
Just to let you know, the Habs' powerplay was 1st last season. Anyways, they do need a shake up but I think it'll be via TRADE. Pacioretty is just not yet there in terms of being an effective player at the pro level. As of right now he has 12 pts in 20 games. However i think you'll see him next season. Weber I think is in the same boat. In his first ahl season he has 7 pts in 19 games, so maybe he'll get his shot next year. The only definite call ups right now from the Bulldogs are Matt Dagostini (25 pts in 20 gms) and Yannick Lehoux (24 pts in 20 gms). As for a trade......maybe we'll take your precious Kaberle because we all know Burke's doesn't want him.

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