3 former Detroit Red Wings struggling to crack Montreal’s lineup
By Bob Heyrman
A trio of former Detroit Red Wings are struggling to crack the Montreal Canadiens lineup as they shockingly forge into the third round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Monreal Canadiens are set to square off with Vegas in the third round of the playoffs but basically without using the services of three former Detroit Red Wings.
I’d be lying if I didn’t state that I felt the Habs were destined to be bounced in the first round of the playoffs. Instead, they shocked the heavily favored Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games. More impressive though, the Leafs had the Canadiens flailing against the ropes, pounding away like George Foreman on Muhammad Ali. But similar to Ali (most of the time), Montreal prevailed from a 3-1 series deficit to stun the Leafs.
Right after, Montreal made quick work of the Winnipeg, sweeping the Jets on their way to a third-round date with the Golden Knights.
The Canadiens play a tight-checking game that resembles past Detroit Red Wings teams.
Montreal tries to match up a line centered by Phillip Danault flanked by Brendan Gallagher and Artturi Lehkonen against their opponent’s top scoring line. It may not be equal to the ‘grind line,’ but Danault’s game reminds me a lot of Kris Draper. Great in the faceoff circle and makes life irritating for the other team’s top center.