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Cole Brings Even Strength Punch to Habs, Budaj Needs Work |
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How many needs did the Canadiens fill when they acquired Erik Cole? A couple at least.
For starters, aside from Max Pacioretty, the Canadiens didn't really have any other forwards of size willing to consistently get their nose dirty in front of the opposing goalie. Cole brings that element, as well as the tenacity to get to that area with authority.
The obvious aside, Cole brings even strength scoring, which the Canadiens have been looking for since Jacques Martin took over their bench two years ago.
Of the 26 goals Cole produced last season, 22 of them came at even strength. It wasn't a statistical anomaly. Throughout his career, Cole has consistently produced at even strength despite a reasonable log of powerplay ice-time.
'09-10: 9 of 11 at even strength in 40 games.
'08-09: 13 of 18 at even strength in 80 games.
'07-08: scored career high 10 pp goals (nearly 50% of his goals--finished with 22).
'06-07: 20 of 29 at even strength.
'05-06: 24 of 30 in 60 games.
'03-04: 14 of 18 at even strength.
'02-03: 6 even strength, 6 powerplay, 2 shorthanded.
'01-02: 13 of 16 at even strength.
In addition to Cole's production at even-strength, he's proven to be a very successful opponent against NorthEast rivals.
'10-11: 9 points in 20 games against NE.
'09-10: 6 points in 13 games against NE.
'08-09: 1 point in 7 games against NE.
'07-08: 11 points in 18 games against NE.
'06-07: 17 points in 17 games against NE.
'05-06: 23 points in 15 games against NE.
'03-04: 6 points in 20 games against NE.
'02-03: 12 points in 10 games against NE.
'01-02: 10 points in 20 games against NE.
95 points in 140 games against NE.
25 points in 28 games against the Habs.
Sufficed to say, the Canadiens will be happy to have him on board for the next four seasons.
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Peter Budaj's recent statistics have to be a cause for concern for a team that expects to give Carey Price a bit more rest than he enjoyed last season.
For instance, Budaj's road-record with the Avalanche was abysmal. He posted an .883 SA% and a 3.45 GAA, going 6-14-1 in 22 appearances.
Conversely, his numbers at home were much better (though they weren't particularly good, and part of that is due to how bad the Avs were last season). Budaj went 9-7-3 in Colorado, posting a .907 SA% and a 2.92 GAA.
Alex Auld last year: 16 appearances, record of 6-2-2, .914 SA%, 2.64 GAA.
Pierre Groulx has his work cut out for him...
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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