Anderson Canadien Drives Canadiens to 3-2 Lead Over Lightning
anderson canadien got the kind of playoff footprint that shifts a series. Josh Anderson logged 21 hits and helped Montreal move ahead of Tampa Bay 3-2, with his work around the puck drawing the strongest praise from people who know the cost of that style.
Josh Anderson in Montreal
Anderson finished the series with two goals, three blocks, four giveaways, eight shots, 10 penalty minutes and 21 hits while averaging 15:32 of ice time. That line tells the story of a forward who kept forcing contact, stayed in the play and created repeated problems for Tampa Bay.
Ben Chiarot, who played alongside him during Montreal’s run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, called Anderson’s impact “immeasurable.” He also called him a “Great teammate” and “A guy I loved going to battle with.”
Chiarot added that Anderson is “Probably at the top of the league in terms of that size and speed combination.” He said, “I know when they’re forechecking.” and added, “Not fun having him chase you down.”
Tom Wilson’s Read
Tom Wilson offered the same kind of respect, sending a text message on Wednesday saying he had “Nothing but respect for (Anderson).” Wilson and Anderson have battled since they were up-and-comers in the Ontario Hockey League, have traded hits for years and have exchanged punches on multiple occasions.
Wilson framed the playoff edge in blunt terms: “When you play a physical game, you know your opponent will be conscious of that,” and “The physical players that can do this in the most intelligent way will always be the best at impacting the game positively (in playoffs).” He also said, “A lot goes into it, but those hits have the ability to change the momentum of a game if executed correctly, and that only gets more amplified in the playoffs.”
Anderson’s Playoff Profile
Anderson turned 32 in March and was coming off a second straight season of more than 30 goals and more than 60 points. That scoring base gives Montreal more than a forechecker; it gives the Canadiens a winger who can punish defenders, finish chances and keep shifts tilted in their favor when the series gets tight.
The 3-2 lead puts Montreal one win from closing the gap it has built with Anderson’s pressure-heavy game. Tampa Bay now has to solve a forward who can chip in on the scoresheet, finish checks and keep coming after contact, the mix Chiarot and Wilson both placed among the league’s most difficult to handle.
