As part of the build-up to the first-round playoff series between the Capitals and the Canadiens, we will be looking at some of Montreal’s most important players to know…
Josh Anderson
#17 | RW
Height: 6’3” | Weight: 226
Born: May 7, 1994
Birthplace: Burlington, ON
Acquired: Traded to Montreal by Columbus for Max Domi and a 3rd-round pick in October 2020
Scouting Report:
Josh Anderson is a two-way forward with a rare combination of size and quickness. Possesses excellent foot-speed and has tremendous acceleration. With that asset he plays the game with very good drive and uses his speed to be an effective fore-checker and completes his hits well. Handles the puck well, granting puck-control is average, as he loves to dump the puck and chase it, instead of going 1-on-1 with a stickhandle-move. Has a nose for the net and creates scoring-chances for him and his teammates, although he is not known for his finishing-qualities. His speed, physical play and willingness to go to the front of the net and to the corners makes him the perfect player in a middle-6 role and can be used in all situations.
Elite Prospects
Why You Should Know Who He Is: The Habs are the fourth shortest team in the league, the Caps are the third tallest; recently Montreal was pushed around by a Senators team that was missing Brady Tkachuk. If Montreal can’t muster a more physical response, the Caps’ depth is going to steamroll the Canadiens (especially their diminutive star players). Enter Dollar Store Tom Wilson, one of the few Canadiens forwards capable of instilling a little fear in the Caps, both physically and offensively. The Canadiens are going to need depth guys to step up and they aren’t likely to be picky who does it, but Josh Anderson is going to have to have a strong series if Montreal wants to cause a problem for the Caps or even steal the series.
How the Caps Can Stop Him: Despite the impression his scouting report might give, he’s only got 27 points on the season even with the benefit of 13.8% shooting—let’s not overstate how difficult it is to keep him off the scoreboard. But as Caps fans have learned from watching the Genuine Tom Wilson, bringing the physical presence and finishing every check has a way of getting under the skin of the opponents. The Caps can’t get caught up settling physical scores: best case scenario they’ll be distracted from their game, worst case they’ll be shorthanded. Understand that he’s going to do what he does, stay disciplined and don’t give Montreal any easy scores.