標籤: Tampa

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.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the verge of contention. While they missed the playoffs last season, it is now up to general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles to make sure they don’t do that again in 2026.

They already have their work cut out for them after losing a pair of locker room leaders, one in Mike Evans on offense and one in Lavonte David on defense. The Buccaneers have one of the game’s great young receivers in Emeka Egbuka, but replacing David will not be easy, but free agent signee Alex Anzalone will give it his best shot.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they have the 15th overall pick in the first round. The Bucs could use that pick to help replenish an offense that will no longer have Evans. Or, they could use it to strengthen their defense after losing a defensive leader like David.

Knowing the weaknesses of the Buccaneers, athleticNick Baumgardner projects Tampa Bay to select edge-rusher Keldrick Faulk out of Auburn. Baumgardner suggested the 6-foot-6, 276-pound prospect has “pretty wild potential.”

“Faulk is 2025 first-rounder Mychal Williams without the injury history,” Baumgardner wrote. “One of the youngest players in the class, Faulk’s potential (6 feet 6 inches and 276 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms) is quite wild. Todd Bowles can have fun with this selection.”

Keeping with the theme, Faulk is viewed as a wild card with his draft projection, but he is expected to land anywhere from the top-15 to the end of the first. However, almost everyone agrees that he will hear his name called on the first night of the draft, possibly even by Tampa Bay.

RELATED: Tampa Bay Buccaneers interested in 25-year-old former first-round pick

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had to make some difficult decisions this offseason. They have already said goodbye to potential future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. Franchise icon linebacker Lavonte David retires after 14 seasons.

Needless to say, the Buccaneers’ roster makeup will look a little different when the 2026 season begins. Still, the Bucs are not finished building the roster. They are still evaluating low-risk, high-benefit solutions.

In the latest effort, the Buccaneers are bringing in offensive guard Kenyon Green for a free agency visit on Thursday. The 25-year-old Green spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, but did not appear in a game.

Now a free agent again, Green looks to begin writing his next chapter after arriving as the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Green started 14 of his 15 appearances as a rookie with the Houston Texans, but he missed the entire 2023 season due to a shoulder injury. Once healthy again, Green started nine of his 12 appearances with Houston in 2024.

Sometimes players unleash their potential with a change in scenario. Perhaps Tampa Bay can provide Green with what he’s looking for, helping him get closer to his draft position.

RELATED: Tampa Bay Buccaneers linked to future Hall of Famer

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons in 2025. Unlike many others, the Buccaneers did not feel that a coaching change was necessary, at least not at the head coach. Now they are replacing parts of the roster to help them get back to the postseason, but the work is not done yet.

recently, athleticSaad Youssef had an idea that could help fix some of Tampa Bay’s problems. He suggests that the Buccaneers sign future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner to a contract.

Still unsigned in free agency after spending the last two seasons with the Commanders, Wagner is now 35 years old. Still, there’s no doubt that the 14-year pro will add value to Tampa Bay’s defense, as their old starting middle linebacker, Lavonte David, retired after a memorable 14-year career.

Wagner, a six-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler, surprisingly still started all 17 games last season. He recorded an impressive 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four pass deflections and two interceptions.

The Buccaneers may feel they have already found David’s replacement after signing Alex Anzalone to a two-year, $17 million contract. Still, one could argue that the Buccaneers needed another middle linebacker even before David’s retirement. In fact, the addition of Wagner will complement Anzalone and the rest of the Buccaneers’ defense.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a clear step back from 2024 to 2025, going from a team that won the NFC South with 10 wins to a team that missed the playoffs entirely by winning only eight games. We’ve already seen the Buccaneers say goodbye to potential future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans, who signed with the 49ers. Now, the Bucs may prepare to move forward without another franchise icon.

On Tuesday, the Buccaneers at the team facility. Nevertheless, no official reason has been given for the press statement.

The 36-year-old is currently a free agent. Of course, there is a possibility that this could be an announcement highlighting David’s intention to play in his 15th NFL season.

However, it’s more likely that David is calling it a career, and the Buccaneers want to give him his day of appreciation. After all, this is a linebacker who came in as the 58th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

He never played for any other team, always remaining loyal to Tampa Bay. He earned a Pro Bowl nod, was named a first-team All-Pro, and, what no one will ever forget, he helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl.

Now, David may be eyeing the next chapter of his life. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers appear ready to move on without David. They have already signed Alex Anzalone and Christian Roseboom, and could add more in the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Buccaneers have seven selections.

RELATED: Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose Pro Bowl player despite offer of more money

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ