Canadiens Prospect Jared Davidson Nearing Memorial Cup

Montreal Canadiens prospect Jared Davidson is one step closer to a Memorial Cup berth.

Davidson and the Seattle Thunderbirds took a well-deserved 2-1 lead win on Tuesday night thanks to a dominant performance against the Winnipeg Ice.

The Thunderbirds scored just 25 seconds into the third game of the WHL Championship and never looked back, earning a 6-3 win.

Davidson scored his 11th goal of the playoffs during an impressive second-period push by the Thunderbirds that led to three goals in just 45 seconds. Davidson’s goal was his second game-winning goal of the playoffs. With the goal, Davidson now has 11 goals and 11 assists in 17 games to his credit and is currently eight in WHL playoff scoring.

Winnipeg did a great job matching Seattle’s intensity during the first two games of the series, but they simply couldn’t handle their forecheck in Game Three.

Every single Thunderbirds player put forth an intense effort, which led to a tireless forecheck and a bevy of hits. Consequently, the Ice lost their composure in the third period. As per tradition, Davidson, who is always one of the most frustrating players to play against, was always in the middle of the action.

Though it should be noted there are very few players on the Ice roster that could threaten Davidson’s physical dominance.

The more I watch Davidson, the more I’m convinced he’s a perfect fit for the Laval Rocket next season, with an outside chance of earning a call-up to the NHL in the relatively near future.

The Canadiens love intense forwards who also possess a significant amount of talent, and Davidson fits that bill perfectly.

Game Three also gave Canadiens fans a chance to watch a few players that may end up joining them following the 2023 Draft.

One of those players may end up being Jeremy Hanzel, the overage defenceman who has not yet been drafted, but there are healthy odds he finally hears his name called this summer.

He’s got speed to burn and owns a great shot, as evidenced by his two-goal performance on Tuesday night. He’s likely to be available in the fifth round, and though he’s not a right-handed defenceman, his recent ascension in the WHL could lead to interest across the league.

And finally, I have to throw some more attention Zach Benson’s way.

Yes, I’m the one who claimed the Canadiens simply cannot afford to ignore a player of Matvei Michkov’s ilk at the Draft, but there’s no denying Benson is one of the most talented players available as well.

Even when the Thunderbirds were controlling the play, Benson found ways to generate high-danger scoring chances. He’s constantly prodding the defence in an attempt to find open ice, and more often than not, it works.

Benson scored his seventh goal of the playoffs and was close to ending the night with a second goal, but his final marker was disallowed.

On The Docket

All three CHL Championship series have a game scheduled on Wednesday night.

Owen Beck and the Peterborough Petes will attempt to take a dominant 3-1 series lead over Logan Mailloux and the London Knights in the OHL Championship. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. The game will be available on TSN.

Davidson and the Thunderbirds will also look to gain a 3-1 series lead. The puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM, and the game will also be available on TSN. Former Canadiens play-by-play announcer Dan Robertson has the call.