Slafkovsky leads end-to-end rush to extend lead
The Montreal Canadiens delivered a statement win on the road.
They outlasted the Carolina Hurricanes 7-5 in a thrilling, high-scoring contest.
The victory came Thursday night at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.
It also ended a long road drought for Montreal in Carolina.
Montreal claimed its first win in Carolina since 2016.
The Canadiens also pushed their point streak to seven games.
The Canadiens Hurricanes game featured momentum swings from start to finish.
Canadiens Continue Strong Road Run
Montreal improved to 22-12-6 on the season.
The team is now 3-0-2 on its current road trip.
They are also 5-0-2 during the seven-game point streak.
Juraj Slafkovsky, Sammy Blais, and Lane Hutson each recorded a goal and an assist.
Ivan Demidov and Alexandre Texier added two assists apiece.
Goaltender Jakub Dobes stopped 20 shots in the win.
Coach Martin St. Louis praised his group’s resilience.
He highlighted the challenge of facing Carolina on home ice.
He also noted the significance of finally winning there again.
Hurricanes’ Stars Shine in Losing Effort
Despite the loss, Carolina’s top players produced offensively.
Sebastian Aho tied his NHL career high with five points.
He scored twice and added three assists in the Canadiens Hurricanes game.
Andrei Svechnikov and Nikolaj Ehlers each had a goal and two assists.
Still, Carolina dropped its second straight game.
The Hurricanes are now 2-4-1 in their last seven outings.
Aho admitted the Hurricanes struggled with puck management.
He stressed the need for smarter play while protecting leads.
Carolina allowed too many high-danger chances.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Montreal struck early in the opening period.
Nick Suzuki opened the scoring just over three minutes in.
He finished a quick passing play under the crossbar.
Oliver Kapanen doubled the lead shortly after.
He scored into an open net after a sharp cross-slot feed.
The Hurricanes responded with urgency.
Ehlers scored on the power play to cut the deficit.
Aho then tied the game with a tipped shot.
Svechnikov followed by giving Carolina a 3-2 lead.
Momentum Swings in the Second Period
Carolina extended its lead early in the second period.
Alexander Nikishin scored on another power play.
The Hurricanes looked in control at 4-2.
Montreal answered through Sammy Blais midway through the period.
Lane Hutson set him up with a smart puck poke.
Cole Caufield later tied the game with his 20th goal.
Just 23 seconds later, Josh Anderson struck again.
He intercepted a loose pass and beat the goalie cleanly.
Montreal exited the period with a 5-4 lead.
Slafkovsky Seals It Late
Slafkovsky delivered a highlight-reel goal in the third period.
He skated coast-to-coast and scored from a tight angle.
That goal made it 6-4 for Montreal.
Aho pulled Carolina within one during a late push.
The Hurricanes used an extra attacker to apply pressure.
Lane Hutson ended the comeback hopes with an empty-net goal.
Key Notes from the Canadiens Hurricanes Game
Montreal played without defenseman Mike Matheson due to injury.
The team adjusted well despite his absence.
Carolina goalie Brandon Bussi had a difficult night.
Aho’s five-point performance was historic for the franchise.
Caufield scored his first career goal against Carolina.
Josh Anderson left the game after the second period.
The Canadiens Hurricanes game showcased offense, emotion, and resilience.
Montreal left Raleigh with confidence and momentum.
