What happened: Montreal has used lefty-righty balance across all three defense pairs since David Reinbacher joined the roster. Eric Engels detailed how the steady alignment simplifies breakouts and defensive assignments.

Why it matters: Keeping every pair on forehands for retrievals and first passes eases zone exits across the rotation. Stable handedness also lets Montreal hold its deployment pattern late in close games.

What to watch: The test comes against heavier forecheck teams during the next stretch of the schedule.