Deconstructing the ultimate underdog: Youthful exuberance

Aging gracefully, particularly in the ever-changing sports landscape, can be seen as a work of art. It takes a lot of effort to adapt and overcome the challenges that every athlete eventually faces in the second half of their careers.
But youth is a gift from nature.
It's something you can't bottle, or repeat. A fleeting set of skills that can provide a spark when it's needed most, such as been the case for the Canadiens and their squad of baby-faced assassins throughout the playoffs.

With Cole Caufield, Alexander Romanov, Nick Suzuki, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi playing big roles in their team's success, the Canadiens presently own four of the eight youngest players still participating in the playoffs, with both Caufield and Kotkaniemi securing the 2nd and 3rd youngest spots, respectively.
It hasn't been a case of bringing them along for the ride, either.
Yes, the experience has been invaluable, and yes there's something to be said about instilling a winning mentality at a young age, but the fact remains that the youth movement on the Canadiens roster cannot be ignored.
The kids are participating in crucial plays, all the while doing their best to secure their spots on a roster that's quickly defying the odds. Such is the life of a young gun in the NHL.
And while not every player rises to the occasion under the pressure of playing in elimination games, there's very little doubt Suzuki is quickly establishing himself as a clutch playoff performer.
The creativity on display whenever Suzuki carries the puck not only drives other players to improve their own play, it also drives the puck into the offensive zone, and more often than not, into the back of the net.
Suzuki possesses the perfect combination of speed, talent, and poise. Most importantly, he possesses an elite hockey IQ which allows him to combine all his skills into one tidy package, and execute plays at such a high speed that he doesn't allow opposing players to adapt in time to stop his endless stream of offensive creativity.
It's one thing to be talented, it's another to be able to use that talent in a complex, ever-changing game-time situation, and consistently make the right decision.
Suzuki may possess a bevy of strengths, but none are more crucial than the computer that resides between his two shoulders.
"He's able to take situations and make adjustments," said head coach Dominique Ducharme. "Every time we talk about little details in his game, he adapts very quickly. He's growing. He has great potential. I think he can push that even further."

The same can be said about the second-youngest player in the playoffs, who happens to have spent time in the NCAA, World Junior Championship, AHL, and NHL this season, cleaning up with game-winning goals or individual accolades at every level.
And while the trophies are still rolling in from his record-breaking NCAA season, Caufield has quickly moved on to the next level, using his incredibly underrated playmaking ability to secure his spot in the lineup following a cautious approach to his playoff ice time.
His penchant for shooting the puck is only matched by his radiant personality, which seems to have propagated to the vast majority of the veterans on the team.
Much like bringing a new puppy into the mix, Caufield's never-ending smile and excitement have reinvigorated fans and players alike.
And much like his young cohorts, the best is yet to come for Caufield, who also possesses one of the smartest hockey minds in the League.
When he's not setting up memorable overtime goals, the self-described "hockey nerd" studies the game with the type of intensity and attention you'd expect from someone who rises to the occasion whenever he's called upon, which has been quite often this season. And he's doing it with the help of a group of well-informed veterans that are happy to share their wealth of knowledge.
"I've learned the most about the importance of experience and how it helps a locker room win," explained Caufield. "Having guys that have gone through the process before, they know what they're doing, and when they open their mouths, you listen. It's kind of like a class. You want to know what they have to say."
The context in which Suzuki and Caufield have flourished cannot be ignored. In a market that lives and breathes everything involved with the Montreal Canadiens, there's very little room for error, and grace periods tend to expire rather quickly.
Which makes their performance even more impressive. They're not just facing a challenge, they're the proxy for the hopes and dreams of an entire city, and an entire fanbase worldwide.

The same can be said about Romanov, who is just starting to dip his toes into the icy, yet enthralling waters of the NHL playoffs. As well as Jake Evans, who provides a spark of energy and smart play whenever he's in the lineup.
But Caufield, Suzuki, Romanov, and Evans are not alone.
The third-youngest player in these playoffs, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, has certainly made his mark, scoring big goals at the right moments despite a bevy of pressure sent his way.
In a sense, you could argue he has completely transformed his game, going from a tentative player that showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, to a power-forward who creates havoc on the forecheck, imposing his superior physical attributes on any opponent he finds in his way.
'Playoff Kotkaniemi' is slowly turning into a force to be reckoned with, while also providing the essential secondary scoring that a team like the Canadiens needs when it comes to succeeding.
"He's at his best when he's dynamic, when he skates, when he carries the puck and when he's physical and uses his shot and his talent," explained Ducharme.

The Canadiens will never rely on a single player, though you could certainly argue Carey Price's performances are key, as is the case with every goaltender in the NHL.
The Canadiens roll all four lines, epitomizing the concept of a complete team effort leading to victories.
The truth is, they need every single player, young and old, to pull their weight, and more
Though it must be said: you expect the veterans to play their part.
It's not every day a group of young, talented, exciting players takes their lion's share of the responsibilities and delivers with the type of passion and exuberance that spreads quickly throughout the lineup.
While the veterans are certainly leading the charge, the youth movement is providing the energy the Canadiens need to rise to meet the challenge head-on.