The Montreal Canadiens concluded a dreamed and unexpected weekend with a second victory in as many days at the expense of a Florida powerhouse.
Sunday, Sainte-Flanelle won 5-2 against the Lightning in Tampa Bay. She had also experienced the joy of victory against the Florida Panthers the day before, by a score of 4 to 0.
As was the case against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, it was Kirby Dach’s trio that opened the scoring. In the first period, Alex Newhook fired a one-timer that gave goalkeeper Jonas Johansson no chance. This is the seventh of the season for number 15 of the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge.
The “Bolts”, however, reduced the gap from the first seconds of the middle engagement. Brandon Hagel maneuvered well in the slot and beat Samuel Montembeault.
The Habs then took the lead again thanks to a nice play from Alex Carrier at the blue line which allowed Kaiden Guhle to start from the point. His shot was redirected by Christian Dvorak in front of the net.
Le Jake Evans show
Still in second, Jake Evans did what he does every game lately: score!
The center player hit a perfect shot into the top of the net. It was the fifth game in a row where he scored. He now has 10 successes in 36 games in 2024-2025, three fewer than his highest total in a single season. He set his personal high in 2021-2022, with 13 goals in 72 games.
In the final seconds of the middle period, Nikita Kucherov reduced the gap by jumping on a poorly controlled puck by Montembeault. It was the final moment of celebration for the crowd favorites.
The Habs in fact dominated the third period, notably obtaining 13 shots against only five. Joel Armia also worked hard and benefited from a good pass from Emil Heineman to give his team a more comfortable lead. Brendan Gallagher then confirmed the victory in an empty net.
The Canadian, who is at the heart of a six-game trip to opposing ice rinks, will continue his journey on Tuesday with a visit to Vegas for a duel against the Golden Knights.
THIRD PERIOD
18:07 | Brendan Gallagher confirms CH’s victory in an empty net
14:41 | The Canadian returns to the power play, courtesy of Kucherov
13:10 | Montembeault pulls out the glove at the last second to frustrate Darren Raddysh
12:32 | Joel Armia completes Emil Heineman’s play to give the visitors a two-goal lead
Armia restores priority of two goals to CH –
9:15 | The CH remains perfect in numerical disadvantage in this duel
7:12 | Alex Newhook is punished for hooking Emil Lilleberg
5:54 | Jake Evans threatens again after a good shot from Armia. Johansson was keeping an eye on things
2:53 | The Canadian bends, but does not give in to the repeated attacks of his rivals
SECOND PERIOD
19:54 | Kucherov closes the gap by taking advantage of the confusion
Lightning’s controversial goal to close the gap –
18:28 | Jake Evans (him again) makes a perfect shot to give the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge a two-goal cushion
Evans scores in FIFTH straight game –
16:08 | The Habs go on a power play thanks to Erik Cernak, who tripped Caufield
12:34 | A shot from Kaiden Guhle finds its way behind the opposing goalkeeper
Guhle’s shot breaks through –
9:50 | Several quality chances for CH, without being able to score
7:44 | Another big save from Montembeault at the expense of Hagel
5:23 | Johansson takes out the mitt against Armia
4:08 | Several good maneuvers from Caufield, but he cannot move the ropes
0:50 | Lane Hutson goes to the dungeon for two minutes for hooking
0:37 | Brandon Hagel brings everyone back to square one with his 17e of the season
Hagel levels the playing field –
FIRST PERIOD
19:41 | Jake Evans can’t take advantage of a good scoring chance on the penalty kill
18:19 | Arber Xhekaj hooks Kucherov and gives the Lightning a first power play
15:16 | Michael Eyssimont goes around the net to surprise Montembeault, but the Quebecer has the last word
12:07 | Alex Newhook (MTL) opens the scoring with a powerful slapshot
The Dach trio is at it again! –
9:55 | Nick Suzuki delivers a good check to Nikita Kucherov
9:39 | Cole Caufield gets a golden chance, but Jonas Johansson has the last laugh
5:30 | The CH goalkeeper shines again, this time against Luke Glendening
0:49 | Samuel Montembeault already stands out against a shot from Brandon Hagel
0:00 | Start of the match
