Gone are the days of big, punishing defensemen that can play in all situations, logging the lion’s share of ice time. Or that’s what we’re led to believe; as the league has gone towards a more speed-style game. But, as evidenced by the St Louis Blues Stanley Cup winning run in 2019, and the Habs Stanley Cup berth in 2021, a big blueline can be very effective.
Specifically, the 2021 Canadiens blueline will be the focus of this exercise, with the four Clydesdales aiding in the cinderella cup run. All six-foot-three or taller, the four pillars on the backend led the Habs to the final against the juggernaut Tampa Bay Lightning offence.