Are Montreal Canadiens UNDERESTIMATED against Tampa Bay Lightning? | Who steps up? | Celebrating the best regular season in decades

The Locked On Canadiens podcast reflects on a historic and exhilarating regular season for the Montreal Canadiens, celebrating what may be the best campaign in three decades. Despite being widely underestimated heading into the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the hosts argue that Montreal’s recent form—especially their 2-1-1 record against Tampa this season and dominant 16-7-2 stretch since the Olympic break—provides strong evidence they are not the underdog many assume. The episode dives into advanced analytics, highlighting that goaltender Jakob Dobish has matched or outperformed Andre Vasilevsky in key metrics like save percentage in close situations and goals saved above expected at five-on-five. The Canadiens’ speed, offensive depth (led by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Ivan Demidov), and improved special teams since the break are presented as major advantages. The hosts also express deep emotional attachment to the season, mourning its end while urging fans to appreciate its brilliance regardless of playoff outcomes. They caution against complacency, noting that future success will be judged by postseason performance, but emphasize that this season was a rare, joyful triumph in its own right.