Canadiens, Flames show different paths to playoff success
There's more than one route toward playing in the NHL, and there is more than one route to winning a Stanley Cup. The Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens are great proof of the latter this postseason.
The Flames are a team that is all about offense. Calgary averages three goals per game in the playoffs thanks in large part to the electrifying play of Jiri Hudler, Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau, who combined for seven goals and 10 assists in their six-game first-round series against the Vancouver Canucks.
The Canadiens, meanwhile, are a defensively elite team. Success starts in net for the Habs with Carey Price. While the Canadiens rank 12th out of 16 in the playoffs in shots allowed, they rank second out of 16 in the playoffs in goals allowed per game (2.00).
"To keep their playoff run alive, the Flames will have to continue to score often, and rely on offensive contributions from many players," Matt Ingram of CBC Sports wrote. "In contrast to Calgary, the Canadiens have struggled all year to consistently find the back of the next. Their formula for success has been to win low-scoring games while relying mostly on the extraordinary Price."
Despite their differences in style, the Flames and Habs both have the same goal in mind: win the Stanley Cup. And because of their stark contrasts, it would certainly be interesting to see the two teams face off in the Stanley Cup Final should they get that far.
(h/t CBC)
Photo by Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
