The impact of Ben Chiarot

MONTREAL - The Ben Chiarot - Shea Weber duo is undoubtedly one of the best defensive tandems in the NHL.

Since joining forces last season, the towering rearguards have played 70 games together while logging 980:10 of ice time.
Chiarot and Weber have been especially good at even-strength. Since last year, the Canadiens have controlled the puck 54% of the time when they're both on the ice and they've controlled 55% of the shots when the pair is out there as well.
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The chemistry between the veteran blueliners is plain to see. No further evidence is required.
"I think we just work off each other really well. We see the game pretty similarly. We're both pretty straightforward with the way we move the puck, and then defending, we're both big guys that move pretty well in our own end. I think it's just been a good pairing because of that," explained Chiarot, following Friday's practice at the Bell Sports Complex. "We defend hard and we try and be hard to play against, and then as soon as we get the puck, we try and move it up as quick as possible. We're not really dancing around with it, so I think we've just been really effective because of those two things."

Along with being dominant during games, Weber leads with his work ethic, too.
According to Chiarot, the Canadiens' captain is a perfect example for the team's younger crop of players.
"He's very serious. No matter what it is. If it's an optional practice, practice, anything. Anytime we're on the ice, he's all business and very serious," mentioned Chiarot. "He sets the tone for the team with the way he practices and the way he conducts himself. That's what a leader does and that's why he's our captain."

A new beginning in Montreal
Before joining the Canadiens on July 4, 2019 by agreeing to terms on a three-year contract, Chiarot played six seasons and 305 games in a Winnipeg Jets uniform.
Nevertheless, it appears Chiarot really established himself as a dominant defenseman in Montreal. The former fourth-round pick (120th overall) of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009 is also being given chances aplenty to showcase his skills.
He set several career-highs during his first year with the Habs.
The 29-year-old Hamilton, ON native averaged 23:08 of ice time per game last season, which was a personal best. Chiarot also ranked first on the roster in blocked shots (128) and penalty killing usage (210:24).

Interestingly enough, he actually leads the team in those same categories thus far this season with 13 blocked shots and 26:44 of ice time in short-handed situations through seven games.
Chiarot is clearly performing his tasks to perfection.
"He seems to love the opportunity to play with Weber. They've built good chemistry together. They take pride in playing well and being tough to play against. Benny likes his role. I think he's being used differently than in Winnipeg. We're giving him a very big role here," explained head coach Claude Julien. "Even if he doesn't play on the power play, he's still an important element of our penalty kill. He has a good shot and he uses it well at even-strength. We like the way he's been playing since joining the team."

Chiarot finished first among the Habs last season with three game-winning goals alongside three other players.

He also enjoyed his best season offensively with nine goals and 21 points.