The Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, with Martin St. Louis’ squad aiming for their second consecutive win against their longtime rivals. While the broadcast team on Canada’s Hockey Night fixated on whether the Leafs would score on their opening shot and set a league record for consecutive games, the Canadiens concentrated on executing a full 200-foot game and playing smart hockey on both offense and defense.
The first two encounters this season between these teams had resulted in a combined total of five wins and two losses, with victories going to both sides. However, those expecting a high-scoring game were proven wrong.
For the second straight game, rookie goalie Jakub Dobes was Montreal’s last line of defense, and his performance was impressive. His movements were precise, his reflexes sharp, and he played an aggressive style in goal. Unlike typical Czech netminders who tend to wait for shots, Dobes actively challenges plays by intercepting passes and harpooning the puck, creating potential scoring chances for his team.
His quickness on the ice is notable. When opponents press him aggressively, he responds firmly but not wildly, sending a clear message to stay off his space. Dobes doesn’t rely solely on defensemen for protection; he fights hard for his crease and space.
These small details inspire confidence. Having a confident and controlled goalkeeper can ease team tensions. The Canadiens had not won a regular-season game in Toronto since February 2021, but they played with assurance in front of Dobes on Saturday night.
Dobes likely made the pivotal save in the third period when a defensive confusion behind the net between Alexandre Carrier and Noah Dobson gave the Leafs a prime scoring chance. The goalie positioned himself well and used his head to block Dakota Joshua’s shot, keeping the score tied at 1-1.
Montreal’s confidence also showed in their five-man defensive unit. St. Louis has emphasized puck protection immediately after turnovers all season, and the team executed this strategy flawlessly Saturday.
The Leafs managed only 10 shots after 40 minutes, while Montreal blocked just six attempts in the same period. This highlights how Toronto struggled to set up their offense, while the Canadiens effectively stifled the home team’s attack, creating a quiet and tense atmosphere throughout the game.
As expected, Toronto increased their pressure in the third period. However, the team was short-handed and scored only once, benefiting from Oliver Kapanen’s mistake deep in their own zone. Scott Laughton capitalized on the turnover with a solo breakaway, beating Dobes with a slap shot.
After 65 minutes of play, the Leafs had just 23 shots on goal compared to the Canadiens’ 34.
Montreal’s frontline had a strong showing, except for Suzuki, whose faceoff win rate was only 36%. Cole Caufield scored the Canadiens’ lone regulation goal with assists from July Slavkovskiy and Ivan Demidov, extending his point streak to 10 games. Caufield was active offensively, registering four shots on goal, three hits, and netting one of Montreal’s two shootout goals by cleverly lofting the puck over goaltender Dennis Hildeby.
Slavkovskiy contributed with four shots, a missed shot, two hits, a blocked shot, and defensive plays that helped slow the Leafs’ comeback effort. His commitment to defense was particularly impressive, as he executed backchecks and diving plays to disrupt Toronto’s offense.
Although the captain’s scoring streak ended, his focus was more on making precise passes to wingers, maintaining solid team play.
For the second game in a row, St. Louis utilized Alexandre Texier in the shootout, and the gamble paid off. When Texier was signed, it was noted he possessed offensive skills, which he showcased in practice and proved in this critical moment by scoring and securing the Canadiens’ second shootout goal.
The Canadiens will return to action Sunday night at the Bell Center to face the St. Louis Blues. Given Dobes’ strong performance in Toronto, there is speculation whether the coach will keep him as the starter since Samuel Montembault has been struggling and Dobes was not overworked in the previous game.
Fan Take: This game was more than just a rivalry win—it showcased the emergence of a confident new goalie and a disciplined team defense, signaling a potential turning point for the Canadiens this season. Hockey fans should watch closely, as these developments could reshape Montreal’s competitiveness and add fresh excitement to future matchups.
