Phillip Danault sends a blunt message to his linemates after tough loss to the Sabres
We were treated to a very interesting moment on Thursday night live from Buffalo during center Phillip Danault's postgame press conference.
In Buffalo, Phillip Danault's line had a difficult night. After the game, Danault didn't beat around the bush.
He spoke about a lack of chemistry, not being on the same page, and energy being wasted for nothing.
When a veteran puts it that way, it's rarely insignificant, especially when it directly targets his own line.
"The chemistry [on our line] wasn't there tonight.
We know it.
We're not on the same page 100%.
One guy loses a battle, the other arrives late.
We're spending too much energy for nothing."
- Phillip Danault, regarding his line and his two wingers
We know it.
We're not on the same page 100%.
One guy loses a battle, the other arrives late.
We're spending too much energy for nothing."
- Phillip Danault, regarding his line and his two wingers
Eric Engels calls for a line change for Phillip Danault
Eric Engels, for his part, indeed drove the point home publicly. He believes the Zachary Bolduc, Phillip Danault, and Josh Anderson line needs a quick adjustment.
In his view, Brendan Gallagher would make a lot of sense with Danault and Anderson, which would move Bolduc elsewhere.
Last season, Danault played 80 games and recorded 43 points with the Los Angeles Kings.
Anderson, meanwhile, played 81 games with the Montreal Canadiens in 2024-2025 and produced 27 points, including 15 goals.
And Gallagher, even if his contract continues to draw criticism, still has numbers that matter. In 2024-2025, he played 82 games and put up 38 points, with 21 goals.
When you're looking for a spark, those are often the types of profiles you turn to.
Bolduc, on his side, in 2024-2025, played 72 games with the St. Louis Blues and recorded 36 points.
That explains why some want to give him time, even when things aren't clicking.
Now, the ball is in Martin St-Louis' court.
Does he keep the line intact to let the chemistry return, or does he move a piece right away?
"This Bolduc-Danault-Anderson line needs a tweak. Getting absolutely destroyed in this game.
Down 5-0 in 5-on-5 shot attempts through the first period.
I'm a broken record on this by now, but Gallagher would make a lot of sense with Danault and Anderson."
- Eric Engels, Sportsnet
Down 5-0 in 5-on-5 shot attempts through the first period.
I'm a broken record on this by now, but Gallagher would make a lot of sense with Danault and Anderson."
- Eric Engels, Sportsnet
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 16|1293 ANSWERS Phillip Danault sends a blunt message to his linemates after tough loss to the Sabres Who should play with Phillip Danault and Josh Anderson? | ||
| Brendan Gallagher | 541 | 41.8 % |
| Zachary Bolduc | 574 | 44.4 % |
| Other | 178 | 13.8 % |
| List of polls | ||