For the final game before the Christmas break, the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night. Unlike some holiday games that see a drop in intensity, this matchup was fierce right from the puck drop, with fights breaking out immediately and again before the end of the first period.
This game was notable as it marked the debut of Phillip Danault, who was recently reacquired from the Los Angeles Kings just before the roster freeze. Wearing his well-known number 24, Danault seemed to fit right back in with the Canadiens.
The game kicked off with high energy, with Boston nearly dominating the first period, not just in the number of shots, but also in the quality of scoring chances. Boston recorded 14 shots within the first 15 minutes, including tough situations like odd-man rushes and close power plays, all of which goalie Jacob Fowler had to handle. Despite the Bruins holding a 2-1 lead after the first period, Fowler’s outstanding efforts kept the Canadiens in the game.
Montreal managed to tie the game with an impressive breakaway goal by Ivan Demidov. Early into Boston’s penalty for high sticking, the Canadiens had a prime opportunity to take the lead but failed to convert, with Cole Caufield’s solo chance being stopped by Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman.
Demidov’s creativity stood out even though he was on the second power-play unit. His stronger chemistry with Lane Hutson compared to Noah Dobson was noticeable, and not scoring on the four-minute power play was a lost chance for Montreal to build momentum.
Lately, the Canadiens’ star duo of Caufield and Suzuki seemed a bit off, lacking confidence during key plays like a botched odd-man rush where neither took a decisive shot. However, thanks to Martin St. Louis, Montreal earned another power play when Boston’s challenge failed. This advantage was capitalized on with two power-play goals by Demidov, with help from Caufield, Suzuki, and Slavkovskiy—reminding fans of the offensive potential this group holds.
In just over five minutes, the Canadiens scored four goals, two on the power play and two at even strength, eventually winning the game 6-2. Despite the score, it was a tough outing for goalkeeper Fowler early on, whose steady presence and the contributions of Hutson and Dobson, each with three assists, were key to the win. The team captain also finished with a goal and an assist.
Fowler’s performance, following his first career shutout, poses a challenge for management in deciding whether to keep him with the main squad or send him down to the Laval Rocket. With the win, Montreal moved up to second place in the Atlantic Division but suffered a setback as Alexandre Texier exited with an upper-body injury. The Canadiens now enjoy a well-deserved Christmas break and will return to action Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning in their traditional holiday trip to Florida.
Fan Take: This game highlights the Canadiens’ resilience and the impactful return of Phillip Danault, which could be a turning point in their season. For hockey fans, it’s exciting to see a rejuvenated team attack with intensity despite mid-season challenges—proof that the Canadiens are serious contenders in the tough Eastern Conference race.
