The Montreal Canadiens have defied expectations in the 2021 NHL playoffs, now standing four wins away from their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1993. After trailing 3-1 against Toronto in round one, Montreal has transformed into a formidable force.

Key Factors Behind Montreal's Success:

• Carey Price's elite goaltending:

  • .935 save percentage (playoff leader)
  • 1.97 GAA (3rd best)
  • 3.07 HDGSAA in 5-on-5 situations (2nd best)

• Balanced scoring:

  • Multiple players with 4 goals: Kotkaniemi, Suzuki, Toffoli, Armia
  • Exceeding expected goals metrics
  • Joel Armia notably performing above expectations (4 goals vs 1.8 iXG)

• Stellar defensive play:

  • 30.8 shots allowed per game (5th fewest)
  • 90.3% penalty kill (best in playoffs)
  • 4 shorthanded goals (rest of playoffs combined: 6)
  • 111 high-danger scoring chances (lowest among final four)
  • 22.22% high-danger shooting percentage (playoff leader)

Vegas Challenge:

To beat Montreal, Vegas must:

• Create traffic in front of Price
• Force Canadiens to low-danger areas
• Leverage defensive strengths
• Capitalize on Jeff Petry's Game 1 absence

Despite MoneyPuck.com giving Montreal just a 35.2% chance to advance, the Canadiens have consistently proven odds wrong throughout these playoffs.

Related Articles

Previous Articles