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NHLPreview
Canadiens brace for $76M nightmare vs Lightning in NHL Playoffs
TL;DR
The Montreal Canadiens face a significant challenge in the NHL playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning, primarily due to their goaltending situation. With a combined three playoff games of experience, the Canadiens must overcome the Lightning's $76 million goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has a proven playoff track record.
Key points
- Montreal Canadiens face Tampa Bay Lightning in NHL playoffs
- Canadiens have inexperienced goalies with only three playoff games combined
- Andrei Vasilevskiy has 120 games of playoff experience
- Montreal finished regular season with 48-24-10 record
- Vasilevskiy signed to a $76 million deal
Montreal CanadiensTampa Bay LightningAndrei VasilevskiyJacob Fowler
The Montreal Canadiens enter the NHL playoffs with belief, but a major concern looms. Their first-round clash with the Tampa Bay Lightning could hinge on a $76 million problem in net.
Montreal finished the regular season 48-24-10 with 106 points, showing clear growth. Led by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, the team built one of the league’s most productive offenses. However, their playoff hopes now face a serious test against Tampa’s experience and depth.
At the center of the matchup stands Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Lightning goaltender, signed to an $76 million deal, remains one of the most reliable playoff performers in the NHL. He brings 120 games of postseason experience and a track record of controlling big moments with a .918 save percentage.
MORE: Montreal Canadiens enter playoffs with new belief, says Craig Button
Montreal’s situation looks very different. Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes have played only three combined playoff games. In this regular season, Fowler posted a solid 2.43 goals-against average, while Dobes handled more starts but showed inconsistency with a 2.78 GAA. Talent is present, but experience is limited.
Analysts have raised concerns about that gap. Speaking on Daily Faceoff, Steve Peters noted that goaltending could decide the series, especially if Tampa starts strong. A quick deficit could expose Montreal’s inexperience and make recovery difficult on the road.
“Combined, [Jacob] Fowler and [Jakub] Dobes have played in three playoff games,” Peters said. “Combined. Vasilevsky has played in 120 playoff games. Does it matter? Yeah, it matters.
Q&A
What is the $76 million problem for the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs?
The $76 million problem refers to the Canadiens' goaltending situation, where their inexperienced goalies face off against the seasoned Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Lightning.
How did the Montreal Canadiens perform in the regular season before the playoffs?
The Canadiens finished the regular season with a record of 48-24-10, accumulating 106 points and showcasing a strong offensive performance.
What is Andrei Vasilevskiy's playoff experience and performance?
Andrei Vasilevskiy has 120 games of postseason experience and a .918 save percentage, making him one of the most reliable playoff goaltenders in the NHL.
Who are the Canadiens' goalies and what are their playoff experiences?
The Canadiens' goalies, Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes, have only played three combined playoff games, with Fowler having a 2.43 GAA and Dobes showing inconsistency with a 2.78 GAA during the regular season.
