Phillip Danault is playing a key role for the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He was brought back to win draws and play difficult matchups.
Danault’s Defensive Prowess
There are two sides to evaluating a top player’s performance in the playoffs. One narrative was the production, or lack thereof, from the Canadiens’ top line against the Tampa Bay Lightning. While Nick Suzuki took that to heart, Anthony Cirelli factored into that performance.
Buffalo Sabres stars Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch are now feeling the heat. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff spoke of Thompson on Friday. He noted that top players have momentum swings and opportunities to make a difference, but every mistake is being critiqued.
Phillip Danault is often on the other side of the ice. The Canadiens traded a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Kings to bring him back.
Dominating Faceoffs
Danault has won 61.9 percent of his draws in the playoffs. That number is up to 66.2 percent in the series against the Sabres. He has won 70 percent of the faceoffs against Thompson.
In four games, Danault has gone 12-for-14 against Thompson. That’s an 85.7 percent clip. It is difficult to produce when you start 12 out of 14 shifts chasing after the puck.
Stifling Hockey
Danault is playing smart, responsible, stifling hockey with his linemates Alexandre Texier and Josh Anderson. Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis controls the matchups at home. It should be a no-brainer as to whom he deploys against Thompson based on his numbers at five-on-five in the series against Danault and Suzuki.
Danault is arguably doing his job better than anyone else left in the playoffs. The Canadiens have an opportunity to advance to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final with a win.