The 2021 Stanley Cup Finals features the Montreal Canadiens seeking their first championship since 1993 against the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Here are the five key players who will significantly impact this series:

Goaltenders: Carey Price (Canadiens) & Andrei Vasilevskiy (Lightning)

• Currently the NHL's top two playoff goaltenders
• Vasilevskiy: .936 save %, 1.99 GAA, 523 saves in 18 games
• Price: .934 save %, 2.04 GAA, 495 saves in 17 games
• Both are playing at an elite level, making this the best goaltending matchup in a Cup Final in the past decade

Nick Suzuki (Canadiens)

• 21-year-old center showing veteran poise
• 20 points in 27 career playoff games
• 5 goals, 8 assists this postseason
• Keys Montreal's offense alongside Toffoli and Caufield
• Must produce to help close scoring gap with Tampa (3.22 vs 2.53 goals per game)

David Savard (Lightning)

• Trade deadline acquisition from Columbus
• Provides crucial defensive depth
• 3 assists in 15 games, averaging 14:51 ice time
• Physical presence: 3rd among Tampa defensemen in hits
• Only 4 penalty minutes while maintaining aggressive play

Corey Perry (Canadiens)

• Veteran forward with impressive resume:
• Four-time All-Star
• Former Hart Trophy winner
• 2007 Stanley Cup champion with Ducks
• 3 goals, 6 assists in current playoffs
• Combines skill with physical edge
• Key veteran presence for Montreal's championship hopes

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