Canadiens Depth Scoring Driving Success Versus Tampa Bay

Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

With the first-round series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning winding down, the mere fact that the Habs are one win away from clinching a second-round berth is rather impressive.

Statistically speaking, the Canadiens were carried by their first line during the majority of the regular season, with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky driving the offensive charge at 5v5.

And yet, none of the first-line players have managed to produce a single point at 5v5 through five playoff games. This is a recipe for disaster, but thanks to crucial secondary and tertiary scoring, Montreal’s depth has come to the rescue.

Bottom-Six List, Top-Six Production

The best example of a veteran player making an impact was Brendan Gallagher’s goal in Game 4. The 33-year-old winger scored on his first shot of the series, after having been made a healthy scratch since April 15.

We should also send some praise Zachary Bolduc, Alexandre Texier, and Kirby Dach’s way. The line, which is often listed as Montreal’s third or fourth trio, has scored at a first-line rate.

In 22 minutes at 5v5, Bolduc, Texier, and Dach have outscored their opponents 6-0, and while there’s nothing in the numbers to suggest that ratio is sustainable, it’s worth noting the Habs have only scored nine goals at 5v5 in the series.