Nearly one-third into the season, there are numbers that jump out when discussing the evolution of Canadiens centre Joe Veleno.

One goal scored in 21 games. Minus-10.

But it has been a good week for Veleno, who is in his first season with Montreal.

Playing between Florian Xhekaj and Brendan Gallagher on Tuesday against Ottawa, he had four hits. One night later against Winnipeg, the Kirkland native had another four-hit game along with three shots. Veleno won eight of 10 faceoffs despite a modest 9:50 of ice time and found himself playing with different linemates — Jared Davidson and Zachary Bolduc.

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Veleno also kills penalties and was on the ice against the Jets to begin the overtime period — a clear indication of the confidence

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