New Captain in Town

Shea Weber gets the nod

  It took a few weeks for Montreal to name a new captain after trading Nick Suzuki.  Today, Shea Weber gets the honor of leading the most glorious franchise in hockey history into its greatest push for the cup since the mid 2000's.  Weber has always been dependable and a natural leader.  When Suzuki was made captain, Weber never complained.  He used all of his experience to help Suzuki develop those leadership skills that can sometimes elude a young leader.

  As this season grinds on, there is doubt in some circles as to wether or not Weber will retire after the season from nagging injuries.  So this move by GM Rainville may be purely symbolic.  Nevertheless, there is zero doubt about Weber's worth on and off the ice.   A supreme gentleman who carries the load on the top pairing.  A polite man who will beat you down and then beat you up.

  The newly minted captain has 61 points in 72 games this season.  He's a refreshing plus six on a team that has struggled to figure it out five on five all year.  Fourth in team scoring and fifth in shots taken.  Number one in penalty minutes and hits.  Fourth in shots blocked and nobody on the team logs in more ice time than Shea.

  Playoffs are coming soon and the Habs will need everything they can get out of every player on the team in order to have any chance of success.  She Weber has an opportunity now to be the loudest and proudest voice in the locker room.  Claude Giroux has been promoted to alternate captain joining fellow linemate Patrick Kane. 

  If this does turn out to be Weber's last hockey season ever it has surely been a memorable one.  Now he has to lead, possibly for the last time on skates.