Phillip Danault's Faceoff Excellence Drives Canadiens' Momentum
In a recent practice session in Brossard, veteran center Phillip Danault reflected on his emotional return to the Montreal Canadiens, describing it with one powerful word: pride. The 32-year-old player, who rejoined the team via a trade with the Los Angeles Kings on December 19, emphasized his renewed commitment to wearing the iconic jersey. "A lot of pride in my game and very proud to wear that jersey every night — even more than when I was here the first time," Danault shared, highlighting his deepened appreciation for the franchise.
Statistical Dominance in the Faceoff Circle
Since his return, Danault has demonstrated remarkable proficiency in faceoffs, a critical component of his game. Heading into Tuesday's matchup against the Minnesota Wild, he had won 56.7 percent of his draws with the Canadiens, with four of those wins directly leading to goals. His performance against the Wild was particularly impressive, as he went 10-5 in the faceoff circle, achieving a 67 percent success rate and a plus-3 differential. Overall, Danault has maintained a 57.4 percent faceoff win rate since rejoining Montreal, showcasing his consistency and skill in this specialized area.
Key Contributions in Critical Moments
Danault's faceoff expertise has been instrumental in several crucial game situations. In a recent overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators, his clean draw win led to a goal by Juraj Slafkovsky, helping tie the game before Cole Caufield secured the win. Similarly, in a December matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Danault won a faceoff that resulted in a last-second tying goal. His ability to perform under pressure has not gone unnoticed by head coach Martin St. Louis, who praised Danault's contributions. "I think he's brought what we thought he was going to bring," St. Louis stated. "Kill penalties, take key faceoffs, and he's done that."
Adjusting to a New Role and Regaining Confidence
Danault's journey back to Montreal has involved adapting to a different role compared to his previous stint with the team. During his time with the Kings, he faced limited opportunities for key faceoffs due to the presence of Anze Kopitar, one of the league's top faceoff specialists. "That's what I was missing in L.A., big faceoffs like that," Danault explained. "So I lost my reps there and some ice time and mojo and confidence." Now, with the Canadiens, he is rebuilding that confidence and embracing a versatile role, currently playing on a line with veterans Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher to boost team energy.
Teammate Insights and Strategic Approach
Canadiens center Jake Evans has observed Danault's faceoff techniques closely, noting the finer details that contribute to his success. "He just bears down, he's strong on his stick, and his timing's really good," Evans remarked. "Winning neutral-zone draws with 10 minutes left in the second period is one thing, but winning one with a minute left that you need to win is another thing, and he's really good at that." Danault attributes his prowess to a combination of experience, personalized strategy, and meticulous preparation. "You get to know the refs as well, how they drop the puck," he added. "Just little details like that because sometimes different refs drop the puck differently. Also, guys change their strategy on faceoffs almost every draw. So you have to do your homework before the game."
Building Rapport with Coach St. Louis
Danault has developed a strong relationship with Coach St. Louis, appreciating the trust placed in him during high-stakes moments. "He understands the game, too," Danault said. "He can read the game. He knows who's tired or not. He reads the game super well, and we talk a lot off the ice as well. So a great coach so far." This synergy has been evident in Danault's performance, as he continues to make significant impacts in faceoffs and defensive play, reinforcing his value to the Canadiens' lineup.
As the season progresses, Danault's faceoff mastery and veteran leadership are poised to play a pivotal role in the Canadiens' pursuit of success, blending skill with strategic insight to drive the team forward.
