Kevin Hoffman – USA TODAY Sports
The Montreal Canadiens saw a promising regular season get them into the playoffs as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, but their success ended in the first round as they fell to the Ottawa Senators in five games. While defense and goaltending were a big part of the Canadiens’ success during the regular season, they also got a big offensive contribution from two of their rookie forwards. Brendan Gallagher impressed enough to be a finalist for the Calder Trophy, but 2012 third overall draft pick Alex Galchenyuk had a noteworthy season as well.
Expectations for Galchenyuk were high, but considering he came to the Canadiens straight from juniors he did a great job of adjusting to the pro game in a hurry. After scoring 27 goals and recording 61 points in 33 games with the Sarnia Sting of the OHL while the lockout was going on, Galchenyuk joined the Canadiens and scored his first goal in his second game. He finished the season with nine goals and 27 points, which was good for eighth on the team. Six of his goals came in the final month of the season, when the Canadiens needed him to step up the most.
The Canadiens may have debated about sending Galchenyuk back to juniors early in the season, but there is no question now that they made the right decision keeping him in the lineup for all 48 games. Galchenyuk’s performance this season is worthy of a “B+” grade, and he should be even better for his team in the 2013-14 season.
Jonathan Katje is an NHL senior writer for Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your circles on Google Plus.
