How Josh Anderson Is Leading the Canadiens
There might not be a player embracing playoff hockey more right now for the Montreal Canadiens than Josh Anderson. Through the first two games of this series, he’s looked like a different version of himself — faster, heavier, and far more direct in everything he does.
The Canadiens lost Game 2 in Florida, but they now have the home-ice advantage. Anderson is one reason. He’s been one of the consistent driving forces in a series that’s still very much in reach. His contribution is physical: he’s scoring, creating momentum, and setting a tone Montreal can feed off. In a playoff environment where details and intensity decide games, he’s been right in the middle of it.
Reason 1: Anderson is producing when it matters most.
Anderson has scored two goals in the series — and both have come at 5-on-5, which also happen to be the only even-strength goals Montreal has generated so far. That alone tells the story of his importance.
This isn’t just finishing chances; it’s showing up in the hardest minutes of the game when space is tight, and pressure is high. For a player who only had 12 even-strength goals in the regular season, the timing of this surge is exactly what Montreal needed.
Reason 2: Anderson’s physical game sets the tone.
Anderson isn’t just scoring — he’s punishing shifts. He’s tied for the team lead in hits, and his presence on the forecheck has been constant. Every time he’s on the ice, the opposition has to account for where he is, not just where the puck is.
That physical edge matters in playoff hockey. It creates turnovers, wears down defensemen, and forces mistakes. Even when he’s not directly involved in the play, he’s influencing how the game is played.
Reason 3: Anderson has shown he has a playoff gear.
This isn’t new for Anderson. He’s shown in past playoff series — including a memorable two-goal performance against Tampa Bay in 2021 — that his game tends to rise when the stakes go up.
Some players tighten up in the playoffs. Anderson simplifies. He goes north-south, plays heavier, and attacks with more urgency. That history is starting to show again.
How the Canadiens can win Game 3.
If Montreal wants to swing momentum, they may need to lean even more into what’s working. One option is bumping Anderson into the top six to inject speed and physicality alongside more skill-heavy linemates. The Canadiens also need quicker starts and more sustained offensive-zone pressure. Too often in this series, they’ve had flashes but not long stretches of control. Anderson’s style can help change that if he’s deployed in higher-leverage minutes.
Game 3 becomes about structure and energy. If Montreal can match the intensity early and let Anderson set the physical tone, they give themselves a real chance to tilt the series back in their favour.