MONTREAL IS MOVING ON!!! 🔵⚪️🔴
For the first time since 2021, the @CanadiensMTL have advanced to the Second Round of the #StanleyCup Playoffs!
Presented by @NavyFederal
Here are my three takeaways from tonight’s 4-3 Montreal Canadiens win over the Florida Panthers, brought to you by Snap Bar Sportif in Rigaud.
1- Ivan Demidov was a menace
What a game from Ivan Demidov, who looked like he was feeling it right from puck drop. When he’s on, there may not be a more entertaining player on this Canadiens team.
He has such a rare combination of skill and high hockey IQ, and it’s hard to believe he’s still in his first year with so much room to grow. What stood out most tonight was his willingness to attack players one-on-one, and doing it in the right areas of the ice.
Demidov has the tools to score, make those around him better, and draw penalties. Having a player like that on your second line is a luxury.
2- Martin St. Louis shuffling the deck
The Canadiens have locked up a playoff spot, but they’re still pushing for potential home-ice advantage. It looks like Martin St. Louis is using this stretch to experiment and see what he has in different combinations.
Oliver Kapanen dropping to the fourth line made some sense, given the dip in his play. It can be a good way to rebuild confidence, playing on the wing in a smaller role. It was still a bit surprising considering how much time he’s spent alongside Demidov this season.
Maybe St. Louis wanted to give Alexandre Texier a look in more offensive situations as he works his way back from injury. Either way, when the playoffs arrive, expect St. Louis to go back to what’s worked all year.
3- Josh Anderson enters playoff mode
It’s no secret the Canadiens don’t have a ton of size and physicality, which means the players who can bring that element need to elevate their game in the playoffs. Josh Anderson is right at the top of that list.
We saw it last year against Washington, and even in this game, you could feel him trying to take things over in the third period. When he barrels in with full speed on the left side of the ice and makes the power move to the net, he’s an absolute handful to stop.
He didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he started the play that led to Montreal’s second goal during a delayed penalty. And hey, Adam Engstrom got an assist on the play, which was his first NHL point.
@tsn690