It's quite clear that the Montreal Canadiens are dealing with a special strategy from the Tampa Bay Lightning in their first-round series.
Whether it's taunting goaltenders, running at players from behind, or engaging in shenanigans after every whistle, the Lightning have embraced the idea that they are the villains in this series.
And yet, when evaluating the numbers at 5v5, the Canadiens have actually had the most hits, and by a good margin too.
The Habs have averaged 37 hits per game, good for 7th out of 16 playoff teams. The Lightning, on the other hand, have only had 33 hits per game, the fourth-lowest result in the NHL.
Arbor Zekaj referred to himself as a "villain" vs. the Habs on the Tampa Bay Lightning today:
"If they want to think that way, fine. We're here. We're ready for whatever they offer us." pic.twitter.com/1cktWPcG71
- /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026
Most of the heavy lifting has been done by Arbor Zekaj, who currently ranks fifth in the NHL with 17 hits. He joined Josh Anderson, who had 13 hits, as the only Canadiens players to take 10 or more body checks in the series.
And yet, the wolf pack mentality clearly exists. Every Canadiens player, including Oliver Kapanen, has managed to put up at least one hit against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Habs coach Marty St. Louis on the Lightning's intimidation tactics today:
"We've talked about it. Did we look scared? I don't think so. If they want to play that game, we're able to play that game. We're equipped to do it." pic.twitter.com/wdH47yGu2X
- /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026
You could argue that while the Bolts are so focused on trying to take hubs out of their game, they're forgetting to focus on the thing that's most important: creating scoring chances.
The Canadiens have controlled 75% of high-danger scoring opportunities at 5v5, meaning they are not only killing the Lightning, but they are also creating the lion's share of quality shots.
Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks
It has something to do with the matchups, which has worked to the Canadiens' advantage.
Reporter: "Are you still sick and tired of Scott Sabourin?"
Josh Anderson: "I just didn't pay attention to him tonight. I didn't see him on the ice much..." pic.twitter.com/j0PMD9lghC
- /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 25 April 2026
For the record, John Cooper kept Scott Sabourin on the ice for nine minutes against Anderson. At the time, Anderson's expected goal share was above 90%. Playing away from Sabourin, his xGF% dropped to 43.8%.
In other words, having Sabourin on the ice alongside Andersen is actively hurting the chances of victory for Tampa Bay, which is desperate to win a pyrrhic physical contest.
It's an odd strategy from a coach with as much experience as Cooper, especially since the Lightning were the clear favorites in the series.
That doesn't mean the Habs have avoided taking the bait at every opportunity, but they've done a great job focusing on the big picture while their opponents focus on the dirty play.
