Canadiens’ Special Teams Giving Them an Edge for Now – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

Playoff hockey often comes down to the smallest details, and early in this series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning, one factor is standing above the rest: special teams. Through two games, the Canadiens have built their success on an opportunistic power play and a steady penalty kill, allowing them to stay right in the fight. It’s a formula that has worked so far, but one that will need support from the rest of their game if they want to stay ahead as the series evolves.

First Two Games

Through the opening two games of this series, one thing has become crystal clear: special teams are not just playing a role; they are defining it. The Canadiens have leaned heavily on their power play to generate offence, and so far, it’s paying off in a big way. Scoring four of their six total goals with the man advantage, the Habs are operating at an impressive 44.4% efficiency on the power play. That kind of production can tilt a series quickly, especially against a team like Tampa Bay that thrives on structure and experience.

On the penalty kill, the Canadiens have also held their own. Killing off 75% of Tampa Bay’s opportunities might not jump off the page as elite, but context matters. The Lightning possess one of the most dangerous power plays in the NHL, loaded with elite talent capable of turning a game in seconds. Montreal has done a solid job limiting clean looks, pressuring puck carriers, and forcing Tampa into frustration. You can see it in their body language: the Lightning are gripping their sticks a little tighter when the power play units hop over the boards.

Discipline

A huge factor behind Montreal’s early special teams success has been discipline, or more specifically, the lack of it from Tampa Bay. The Lightning have taken a number of costly penalties through the first two games, and the Canadiens have made them pay. That’s exactly what you need to do in the playoffs, punish mistakes and force the opposition to think twice.

Tampa Bay’s frustration is becoming noticeable. Whether it’s retaliatory penalties after the whistle or undisciplined stick infractions, they are giving Montreal chances to stay in control of the game. Against a confident power play, that’s a dangerous game to play.

That said, discipline is a two-way street. The Canadiens have done a commendable job staying composed. They haven’t taken unnecessary penalties, and they’ve avoided getting dragged into post-whistle scrums or emotional reactions. That composure is crucial, especially against a veteran team like Tampa Bay that knows how to bait younger opponents into mistakes.

Because here’s the reality, the Lightning power play is too talented to stay quiet forever. You can only contain players like Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel for so long before they break through. Montreal has done well so far, but continuing to limit Tampa’s opportunities will be key. The fewer chances you give them, the less likely they are to find their rhythm.

If the Canadiens start losing that discipline, the momentum could swing quickly. Special teams are often the difference in tight playoff games, and Montreal cannot afford to give Tampa Bay extra looks.

Need to Be Better at 5-on-5

As encouraging as the special teams performance has been, there’s no avoiding the reality: Montreal needs more from its even-strength play. Relying almost exclusively on the power play is not a sustainable formula, especially as the series progresses and referees tend to call fewer penalties.

Josh Anderson being the lone 5-on-5 goal scorer is not enough. The Canadiens have generated chances at even strength, but finishing has been an issue. Whether it’s missed opportunities in tight, a lack of net-front presence, or simply not capitalizing on rebounds, the execution hasn’t matched the effort.

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay has had the edge at 5-on-5. They’ve controlled stretches of play, generated sustained offensive zone pressure, and looked more dangerous overall when both teams are at full strength. That’s not surprising given their experience and depth, but it’s something Montreal needs to address quickly. The good news is that the chances are there. This isn’t a case of being completely outplayed; it’s about converting. 

Through two games, special teams have been the backbone of Montreal’s performance. A red-hot power play and a steady penalty kill have allowed the Canadiens to stay competitive and even dictate stretches of the series. But the margin for error is thin. Discipline must remain a priority, especially against a team like Tampa Bay that can strike at any moment. And perhaps most importantly, the Canadiens need to start producing at even strength to truly take control.