Playoff series are decided in the margins, not just by star power. For the Montreal Canadiens, where eyes typically look towards Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and other rising rookies to make the big plays, there is a group of under-the-radar contributors who could quietly tilt the next round vs the Atlantic leaders, the Buffalo Sabres.
Zachary Bolduc (RW)
Bringing the pace up with relentless skating that can disrupt opponents, Bolduc is often praised for his stellar passing abilities, alongside his positioning and shooting skills.
Against the Sabres, a team that prefers to play with speed and skill in the neutral zone, Bolduc possesses the ability to flip the script and apply constant pressure on the forecheck. By closing the gaps and forcing rushed decisions on Buffalo's defence, this opens the opportunities for turnovers and extended offensive zone time.
Adding this to his 6'0", 187lb figure and recording a solid 4 points (1 goal and 3 assists) and a +5 in the first 7 games of the playoffs, Bolduc is not only pulling his weight in the small plays that matter, but in the points department as well.
Alexandre Texier (LW)
Texier has proved his worth as a reliable forward who has played an under-the-radar, impactful role so far. Standing out with the ability to play a strong forechecking game, while still contributing offensively at even strength, he keeps pace with his talented linemates and generates a multitude of offensive chances.
Up against Buffalo, Texier's versatility will undoubtedly help the Canadiens out of tight spots, pressuring defenders, and taking advantage of weaker matchups with puck retrievals, second-effort plays and timely contributions.
Currently a part of the successful Bolduc line, Texier was originally brought in at a low-risk depth addition during a period where a few Habs players were injured. Standing tall at 6'1", 196lbs, Texier's size allows him to thrive in the physicality of playoff hockey, sitting at 4 points (2 goals and 2 assists) and a +4.
Jake Evans (C)
While Evans might not always show up on the scoresheet, his value has become magnified in the playoffs. His strength in the faceoff circle is especially important against a Buffalo team that has historically struggled with faceoff wins.
Evans had a remarkably high faceoff win rate of 86% vs the Lightning in Game 5, a current 62.9% FO% for the playoffs, and had 55.9 FO% during the regular season as well. With this strong tool at the Canadiens' disposal, Montreal has the chance to control possession in key situational round starts.
At 6'0", 190lbs, Evans is a solid and reliable defensive forward who can read plays and neutralize the opposition. Sitting at 1 point so far (1 assist) and +1, his impact is still felt regardless of what the scoresheet shows. In tight games where possession matters, the ability to win draws and play mistake-free hockey is a huge momentum swinger.
Jayden Struble (D)
Reliable, physical, and built for the playoffs, Struble's impact is valued deeply by coaches as a steady defenseman. Known for playing a safe, controlled game, this consistency has led to a regular role where he can be trusted to keep his team safe.
Playing against the Buffalo Sabres, this reliability is crucial. Buffalo thrives on speed and offensive creativity, and Struble's disciplined approach, combined with a physical edge and a willingness to engage, disrupts Buffalo's rhythm. With a key value in killing plays early, winning battles, and keeping things simple under pressure, this defensive style is a necessity to keep the Canadiens in games.
While this solid 6'0", 207lb defenseman is still pointless in the playoffs, he has maintained a +3, a sure sign of his reliability and impact on the ice.
In a series where margins are razor-thin, these under-the-radar contributors show that quietly tipping the balance doesn't always show up on the scoresheet, but their contributions are a crucial necessity for clean hockey and to push the Montreal Canadiens past the Buffalo Sabres when it matters the most.
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