The Montreal Canadiens have defied expectations in the 2021 NHL playoffs, making a remarkable run after being down 3-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. Their success can be attributed to several key factors:

Carey Price's Elite Goaltending:

• Leads playoffs in save percentage (.935)
• Third in GAA (1.97)
• Second in high-danger goals saved above average (3.07 in 5-on-5, 3.65 overall)

Balanced Scoring Attack:

• Multiple players with 4 goals: Kotkaniemi, Suzuki, Toffoli, and Armia
• Exceeding expected goals rates
• Joel Armia notably outperforming with 4 goals versus 1.8 expected

Defensive Excellence:

• Allowing just 30.8 shots per game (5th fewest in playoffs)
• League-best 90.3% penalty kill
• 4 shorthanded goals (rest of playoffs teams combined: 6)
• 111 high-danger scoring chances with 22.22% conversion rate

Keys for Vegas to Counter:

• Create traffic in front of Price
• Take advantage of Jeff Petry's absence
• Force Montreal into low-danger areas
• Leverage superior defensive capabilities

Despite MoneyPuck.com giving Montreal just a 35.2% chance to advance, their unexpected playoff success has proven they shouldn't be underestimated as they pursue their first Stanley Cup final appearance since 1993.

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