In the absence of Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens defenceman Josh Gorges continues to expand his role with the club.
The 26-year-old is the leading scorer among Habs' blueliners, thanks to his increased power-play minutes, and he has become a backup alternate captain in head coach Jacques Martin's leadership group.
"He's a heart and soul guy. He brings a lot to our team," said Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri. "He's someone you can count on as a teammate for sure."
Through five games Gorges has three points, including a game winning goal on the powerplay against the Buffalo Sabres.
After originally being acquired in a trade deadline-day deal from the San Jose Sharks, the Kelowna, B.C. native made huge strides during last year's playoff run, where he and defensive partner Hall Gill played an integral partin Montreal success. Gorges credits a lot of his improvement over the last year to lining up next to Gill.
"You learn a lot about using your stick, how to play defence away from the puck, being in good position and I think the biggest thing is the communication factor," Gorges explained.
Gill, on the other hand, had a very quick remark when asked about the player he shares the ice with most frequently.
"He thinks he's above everyone, he talks down to everyone, he thinks he's above the game and he's right," Gill joked. "With a shot like that, when he goes bar down, I guess he's right."
"That sounds like something Hall would say," said Gorges will a smile.
