We'll get started with what is going to be an eleven part feature The Favourite
Since we lost most of the familiar faces of the franchise this off-season, many people are clamoring to find a player to identify with, to like. Even halfway through the season, the amount of people on Twitter asking what jersey to buy supports this. I'm going to profile eleven players, and advocate all of them as potential 'favourites'. They may not all be the best, but they may have some aspects that just jump out and say "Yes, I'm proud to have his number. I'm proud to cheer for him. He's a favourite".
Favourite Hab: #46 - Andrei Kostitsyn
The Basics:
Andrei will always have a bit of a dark mark on him that's not his fault. We selected him over a few players who've gotten some press time, guys with the last names like Carter and Getslaf. He had an immensly rocky start to this season, and was viewed as nothing special last season (despite a respectable 23 goals), but most remember two seasons ago when he had 26 goals in 78 games. He's spent much of his time with the Habs as being touted as having immense talent we're waiting to have show up. He's got one of the best shots on the team (Cammalleri's is better, and while Bergeron's is certainly harder, Kostitsyn's is more accurate), and it's become clear he's moved out of Kovalev's shadow and works very well with Thomas Plekanec.
The Stats:
AK46 is a proven 20 goal scorer, which is naturally useful on a team with issues with secondary scoring, though since Gionta has gone down there's been nothing secondary about Andrei's role with the team. Andrei Kostitsyn, a six-foot tall winger has 10 goals and 12 assists this season (sitting at +2), putting him on pace for another 20+ goal season on paper, but its important to note he was held to only two goals in the first quarter of the season. He's producing at a much faster rate now and it will be interesting to see where he ends up this season.
Intangibles:
Despite what people may say about his occasional moments of under-performing, he's dealt with immense pressure surrounding him, be it unfair comparisons to Alexei Kovalev, controversy concerning shady Belorussian mobsters, or the drama surrounding his brother early this season. One of his biggest issues had been communications issues with the rest of the team, but since becoming closer talking with Plekanec, his production has ramped up this season. As he becomes more open with the team, we can expect the best out of him. He's also finally discovered exactly what he can do when he puts the puck on the net. Often ignored, while not a heavy hitter by any means, he isn't afraid to take the body at all.
Highlights:
All highlight videos are not my own creation.
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