Phillip Danault reaches 400 points in his own way

Vincent Larue
Phillip Danault reaches 400 points in his own way
Credit: Screenshot/YouTube

Phillip Danault has officially reached the 400-point plateau of his NHL career. But true to form, it wasn't exactly in the most spectacular fashion.

In the middle of a game against the Dallas Stars, Danault thought he'd scored. The puck was heading for the net after deflecting off him… Except that Brendan Gallagher was there. The goal was awarded to Gallagher. And Danault was relegated to a simple assist.

In front of the media, the main player took it in stride, throwing an arrow at his good friend.

“Gally always steals my goals!” – Phillip Danault

In the end, it didn't matter. Danault finished with two points in an important victory over Dallas. And as is often the case with him, his impact isn't limited to the score sheet.

The Québécois forward's true value lies elsewhere. Not least in the face-off circle, where he is simply dominant. In his last four games, his percentages speak for themselves: 59%, 61%, 64%, and 67%. Consistently reliable, especially in key moments.

His head coach, Martin St-Louis, knows this. And he trusts him.

Against the Lightning, with seconds left in the game and a crucial face-off in the offensive zone, Martin St-Louis sent Danault to the ice. Result: face-off won, extended sequence, Canadiens goal.

Same scenario against the Stars. In overtime, Martin St-Louis again returns to his defensive center. Danault wins the face-off. Moments later, the Habs score and walk away with the victory.

It's not a coincidence. It's a plan.

With the loss of Jake Evans for a few weeks, Danault's role becomes even more important. Defensively responsible, reliable in his own territory and capable of neutralizing opposing top line trios, he's now a very important piece of the line-up.

The Québécois forward may never make headlines for his offensive totals. He won't score 30 goals. He won't collect 80 points. But he'll continue to win face-offs when it counts. To do the little things, to let others shine. Above all, to help his team win the game.

And sometimes, even when he reaches a 400-point plateau… he still finds a way to get his goal stolen.

By Gallagher, of course.


overtime

– Gabriel Landeskog needed assistance leaving the ice after hitting the post.

– Canadiens prospect Arseni Radkov is traded by the Armada to the Sea Dogs.

– Sidney Crosby scores in overtime against the Blue Jackets and completes the comeback as the Penguins trail by three goals.

– Sweden advances to the final of the World Junior Championship.

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