Randip Janda

Okay, the Alex Lyon component is interesting because I never would have guessed that heading into the playoffs.

But he always does this.

He did this with Florida a few years ago as well where he gives you some good games and all of a sudden you have confidence in him.

Looking at the way that the third and the fourth line were going for the Buffalo Sabres in game one and what kind of talent they have,

I think Buffalo would be a tougher out as of right now.

Now, if Montreal's top line can finally wake up at five on five, then the dynamic shifts.

Then we're talking about, okay, they're going, you know, you've got Cole Caulfield, a 50 goal score.

You've got Suzuki who's chipping in on the power play and Slavkoski, but can they do it five on five?

But if I had to say right now, based on current form, current, excuse me, confidence, I'm going Buffalo Sabres because there's not only forward depth there,

Rasmus Dahlien looks fantastic.

He's looked fantastic all year long.

Yeah.

I think if Kael McCarr had a full season, no injuries, maybe it's a closer conversation.

But for me, Dahlien, the way he's able to defend, too, and that's just watching the game yesterday.

you know, takes a block shot right in front of the net, potentially saves a goal, and then he's right up there battling in front of the net, clearing space.

Like, he's hurt, but he's really channeling into something right now, which you'll have to see from a top defenseman.

So I would say the tougher matchup as of right now is Buffalo, just because the way that they're going, the way that they're clicking.

And for Montreal, that Tampa series took a lot of energy out of them, right?

Like, that was a tough series.

Sometimes the beginning of the next series is not easy when you have to play at that level.