Quoting: Campabee
I think Lehkonen starts the playoffs over Byron because Lehkonen has proved to be a clutch playoff performer for us every time we make it.
Paul Byron's Goal in Toronto Falling down is the Definition of a Clutch Moment for MTL in the Playoffs . . . . .
Byron helped lead out top PK in the league
Lehkonen took a reduced role behind Byron ,Danault, Armia and Evans
Evans replaced Lehkonen and was demoted to 3rd pair PK unit with Toffoli
Lehkonen's great and all heart but Evans is where Danault was after we got him
Danault had 10 points and 47% faceoff win rate
Evans had 13 points and 50.1% faceoff win rate
Danault broke out the next year replacing Desharnais's 3rd line role and never looked back after Partnering with Pacioretty
I Predict the same will be said about Evans Gallagher by next season