Marc Dumont
With the first-round series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning winding down, the mere fact that the Habs are one win away from clinching a second-round berth is rather impressive.
Statistically speaking, the Canadiens were carried by their first line during the majority of the regular season, with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky driving the offensive charge at 5v5.
And yet, none of the first-line players have managed to produce a single point at 5v5 through five playoff games. This is a recipe for disaster, but thanks to crucial secondary and tertiary scoring, Montreal’s depth has come to the rescue.
Bottom-Six List, Top-Six Production
The best example of a veteran player making an impact was Brendan Gallagher’s goal in Game 4. The 33-year-old winger scored on his first shot of the series, after having been made a healthy scratch since April 15.
Welcome back to the lineup, Brendan Gallagher!#GoHabsGo are up 1-0 thanks to a goal via their hardworking veteran. pic.twitter.com/KxnD1PhdtH
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) April 29, 2026
We should also send some praise Zachary Bolduc, Alexandre Texier, and Kirby Dach’s way. The line, which is often listed as Montreal’s third or fourth trio, has scored at a first-line rate.
In 22 minutes at 5v5, Bolduc, Texier, and Dach have outscored their opponents 6-0, and while there’s nothing in the numbers to suggest that ratio is sustainable, it’s worth noting the Habs have only scored nine goals at 5v5 in the series.
In other words, the Dach trio has scored two-thirds of Montreal’s 5v5 goals versus the Lightning.
Kirby Dach restores the #GoHabsGo lead with a strong individual effort. pic.twitter.com/yuHmCBYByK
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) April 30, 2026
If we were in the middle of the season, I’d argue this line has done great things, but we shouldn’t expect them to keep scoring at will.
However, the playoffs are a completely different animal.
It’s a dominant line from a goal scoring perspective, and thanks in part to Dach, Bolduc, and Texier’s efforts, the Montreal Canadiens have managed to gain a series advantage while their first line struggles to find its rhythm.
If we do want to delve into the underlying numbers a little more, Dach and Company have managed to control 50% of the shots (21-21), which is an encouraging result when we remember the Lightning have a considerable edge throughout the series (201-171, 54%). They also have an edge in expected goals, as well as an advantage in high-danger scoring chances.
Simply put, it may not be a longtime recipe for success, but they’re scoring plenty of goals while keeping their opponents at bay, and that’s exactly what the doctor ordered for a team such as the Montreal Canadiens.
Alexandre Texier restores Montreal's one-goal lead with a shot off the rush.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/lV2ldQfPe8
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) April 30, 2026
All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.
