Hockey

Josh Anderson is exactly what the CH needs in the playoffs
Mathis Therrien
Josh Anderson is exactly what the CH needs in the playoffs
Credit: Getty Images

All the Montreal Canadiens players were excellent last night in the big 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals in Game #3.

Everyone contributed to making the game magical and memorable.

However, one player stood out this morning, and is currently the talk of the town.

And that player, who was actually cleared from the scoresheet last night, is Josh Anderson.

The Canadiens' number 17 was impressive throughout the game against the Caps.

He proved with every appearance what a playoff guy he is, and how much he thrives on pressure, intensity and hard play. In short, Anderson is all about the playoffs.

Anderson was everywhere on the ice, yet he was Martin St-Louis' third least-used forward with 11:46 of ice time.

Obviously, Anderson spent a good part of the third period in the penalty box due to his brawl with Tom Wilson on the Caps' bench, but my point was that Anderson's 11 minutes and change felt more like 25 minutes.

Seriously, it was really nice to see Anderson go last night, and even since the start of the series.

Even if he only has one assist in three games, what Anderson accomplishes on the ice is of paramount importance to the CH.

This is the Anderson we're seeing right now, and he's proving his importance in brilliant fashion.

So far in the series, Anderson has 16 bodychecks in three games, good for sixth in the entire NHL since the start of the playoffs.

Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno tops the list with 27 (!!!) checks in three games.

In short, Anderson is inspiring the team with every appearance and every game, and Martin St-Louis underlined this last night after the game.

He's really managed to silence the critics about him, and make people forget about his contract.

And if you look further, the entire Anderson trio is playing inspired.

Even if they were robbed of the limelight by the first trio last night, Anderson, Dvorak and Gallagher were once again impressive.

The veteran trio were smoking hot every time they appeared, spending long minutes in the opposition zone generating excellent scoring chances.

This trio's constant hard work has paid off so far, and is doing the CH proud.

We knew Gallagher and Anderson were playoff guys, but we didn't know Dvorak in the playoffs.

And seriously, we're discovering quite a field hockey player right now, as the CH's number 28 is making only his second career playoff appearance (nine games with the Arizona Coyotes in 2019-2020).

Dvorak is playing excellent field hockey, and he's making a very good case for his next contract, whether in Montreal or elsewhere.

I can't wait to see what happens with the American center, because he's very much appreciated in the dressing room, and right now, he's not as hated as he was at the start of the season.


In gossip

– David Carle will not become coach of the Blackhawks. He has withdrawn from the race.

– Ivan Demidov is looking more and more comfortable on the ice.

– Amazing.

– Great read on the Stars.

– The Yankees need to change their recipe.

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