Canadiens' Phillip Danault: Scores in Saturday's loss

Danault scored his 10th goal of the season in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to Buffalo.

Analysis:

When Alex Galchenyuk returned from a knee injury, he centered the top line, but Montreal coach Michel Therrien deemed that assignment as "too much, too soon" after missing 18 games. So, Danault was moved to the first line with Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov, a combination that meshed well during Galchenyuk's absence. Before Saturday's goal, Danault's previous score came six games prior when he was filling in for the then-injured Galchenyuk on the top line. You can spot the pattern; Danault's offensive burst in December/January was fueled by his placement on the top line. Take advantage of his favorable assignment now, as Galchenyuk will likely unseat him soon.