Jamie Nye: Canadiens’ team game makes them a threat to all comers

What the Montreal Canadiens are doing in these playoffs is another Cinderella-type story that we have seen in recent history.

In 2012, the L.A. Kings became the only eighth seed to win a Stanley Cup and a few years later Nashville became the first wild-card team to make the Stanley Cup final.

Both teams, wouldn’t you know it, rode incredibly hot goaltending and a sound defensive game, matched with contributions from up and down the lineup to make history.

The Canadiens are in the Stanley Cup semis based on all the same characteristics. Joel Armia, Tyler Toffoli, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nick Suzuki all have four goals each with Corey Perry adding three more. Goals-against per game is tops of the final eight and their penalty kill is No. 1 as well.

The latter two stats can be looked at with goaltender Carey Price top of mind.

And he is why no one should be quick to doubt Montreal in Round 3. If you believe you win from the net out, Montreal is starting the next series with the advantage.