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Kirby Dach, Montreal Canadiens (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

The Canadiens’ Third Line Is Becoming a Difference-Maker

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Blain Potvin | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 1:45 PM ET

For much of the season, the Montreal Canadiens have searched for consistency beyond their top scoring units. Recently, however, their third line of Jake Evans, Zachary Bolduc, and Kirby Dach has begun to carve out a role that goes well beyond simply providing depth. What started as a complementary trio has evolved into a line that brings energy, responsibility, and an increasingly-noticeable offensive push. As the season tightens and every shift matters, their emergence is giving Montreal a valuable layer of balance.

For a team trying to stay in the fight for a top-three finish in the Atlantic Division, the development of a dependable third line can be a quiet but critical advantage. Evans, Bolduc, and Dach have started to establish a clear identity built on pace, puck pressure, and physical presence, allowing them to impact games in ways that go beyond the scoresheet. Their ability to control shifts, disrupt opposing lines, and chip in offensively is beginning to give the Canadiens the kind of depth that can make a difference down the stretch.

Building an Identity

The third line has quietly evolved into one of the more-intriguing trios on the roster. What began as a line assembled largely for depth has grown into a unit with a clear identity. Evans provides defensive stability and pace through the middle, Bolduc injects quick-strike offense and energy on the wing, and Dach adds size, puck protection, and playmaking ability. Together, they’ve developed a balance that allows them to contribute in multiple phases of the game.

A key part of that identity is responsibility without sacrificing offensive pressure. Evans has long been trusted in difficult defensive matchups and on the penalty kill, but with Bolduc’s speed and Dach’s ability to extend possession along the boards, the line has become far more than a shutdown trio. They forecheck aggressively, force turnovers, and turn defensive stops into quick transitions. Instead of simply surviving their shifts, they’re beginning to tilt the ice.

Bolduc’s role has been especially important in shaping the line’s offensive personality despite his current goal drought. Known for his shot and scoring instincts, he brings a level of unpredictability that forces defenders to respect the rush and the cycle. When he has open space, Evans is often the one creating it through quick puck retrievals and smart positioning. Meanwhile, Dach acts as the connective piece, using his reach and vision to distribute the puck and keep plays alive in the offensive zone through the cycle. Dach finding a niche on the roster comes at a pivotal time in his career with the Canadiens.

Jake Evans rips home his ninth of the year to tie things up for the Habs pic.twitter.com/iYLEfHdbBd
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 8, 2026

When he arrived, he was seen as a solution to the second-line centre need. However, his repeated injuries that caused him to lose entire seasons led to his progression slowing. Now he seems to have found a role he can excel in. His presence gives the line a physical dimension that makes it difficult to contain over the course of a game. At his best, he protects the puck along the walls and below the goal line, allowing the line to grind down opposing defenders. This not only generates chances but also creates momentum shifts. Even when they don’t score, extended offensive-zone shifts from the trio can wear down opponents and set the stage for the Canadiens’ top lines.

Making an Impact

For a team like the Canadiens trying to remain competitive in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race, contributions from a third line can be the difference between a hopeful push and a sustained run. Depth scoring becomes increasingly important late in the season, when opposing teams focus their defensive resources on top offensive threats. The top line centred by Nick Suzuki is the obvious target of top defensive coverage, and the emergence of Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov on an effective second line will draw the next best defensive options.

This is why an effective third line becomes impactful — they can exploit the opposition’s third defensive pair. If the Bolduc-Evans–Dach line continues to produce and control play territorially, it will force opponents to deal with threats throughout the lineup rather than just the top six.

Oct 9, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Montral Canadiens right wing Zack Bolduc (76) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

They have only played seven games together thus far but have been highly effective in that time. Their advanced stats point to a line that is feasting on their opponent’s defence. Their expected goals are the second best of any line combination on the Canadiens at 59%, and they have the lowest expected goals against (1.6) and the lowest expected goals against per 60 minutes (4.68) among any line combination the Canadiens have used. Their possession stats are strong as well, holding a 55.9% Corsi For percentage.

Looking ahead, the ceiling of this trio may lie in its versatility. Evans can take key defensive-zone draws, Bolduc can finish plays when opportunities arise, and Dach can shift into a puck-dominant role when the line is rolling. If the chemistry continues to grow, this line could become the type of dependable third unit that playoff teams rely on, capable of shutting down opposing stars one shift and generating a momentum-changing goal the next. For the Canadiens, that kind of depth could prove critical as they push toward postseason contention.

The emergence of a viable third line could prove to be a defining factor. With a growing identity built on energy, responsible play, and timely offense, the trio has begun to provide the kind of reliable depth every contending team needs. If they continue playing as they are, they could become a stabilizing force down the stretch, one capable of helping Montreal turn a hopeful postseason push into a legitimate playoff berth.