Montreal Canadiens
Weber, Perry, and Lehkonen Set to Reach Big Milestones as Canadiens’
Two big games played milestones this week and the potential for another addition to the the NHL 800 point club.
The Montreal Canadiens have cause for celebration to kick off the month of February. Outside of having a strong record at 5-1-2 on the season, three players will or could hit career milestones during the upcoming slate of games this week.
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For example, 25-year-old winger Artturi Lehkonen will dress in his 300th career NHL game tonight. The Piikkiö, Finland native was a 2nd round pick (55th overall) of the Canadiens during the 2013 entry draft. He made his NHL debut in 2016-17 and has been a full-time member of the club since.
In his previous 299 games before tonight’s tilt against the Vancouver Canucks, Lehkonen has accumulated 55 goals and 54 assists (109). Through eight games this season he has collected a goal and an assist.
Silver Stick
There is also another huge games played milestone coming up for Canadiens captain Shea Weber this week. Tomorrow night, during the rematch of this mini-Canucks series, the big man from Sicamous will reach the ‘silver stick’ (1,000 game) mark.
The 35-year-old has had an amazing career that included 11 seasons in Nashville and this special night comes in his fifth with Montreal. Throughout his career, Weber has accumulated an impressive 220 goals and 355 assists (575).
He has also represented Team Canada at the World Juniors, World Championships (X2), Olympic Games (X2), as well as the World Cup in 2016. Weber is known as a fierce competitor on the ice, but a true gentleman off it. He has also been recognized for his genuine leadership skills and overall good human being.
The Canadiens franchise is normally all class so fans should expect a special ceremony Tuesday evening to commemorate what has been a great career.
The 800 Club
Last, but certainly not least, is a big point marker well within reach. Veteran offseason addition, Corey Perry, needs a single point to reach 800. Only a matter of when, not if.
Of course, most of his points were gathered as a member of the Anaheim Ducks. The Peterborough native was originally drafted 28th overall during the infamous 2003 draft, by the then Mighty Ducks franchise. The team would capture its first and only Stanley Cup just four years later where Perry played a huge factor in capturing the big prize.
He has seen spotty action with the Canadiens so far, but his play has been above average when he is in the lineup. In three games this season he has a goal and a helper. The 35-year-old has slowed but proved he can still be a dominant force last playoff when he helped the Dallas Stars reach the Stanley Cup Final. One could argue that the regular season will act as aa tune up for his postseason. He is a great example of a winner and his resume speaks for itself.
These next two evenings will be that more special for Lehkonen and Weber as they will be recognized within the confines of the Bell Center. While there is no guarantee Perry will play or collect his 800th point I have a feeling he will get it done if given the opportunity.
Congratulations to all three players! I sincerely hope they will each take time to enjoy the moment with friends, family, and teammates (past/present) alike.
NOTE: After officially requesting a trade after Saturday nights loss against the Calgary Flames, defenseman Victor Mete will make his 2020-21 season debut this evening.
NEXT: Victor Mete’s Agent Says Defenseman Wants Canadiens to Trade Him
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