Dallas Stars’ Tyler Seguin (91) scores on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes (75) during second-period NHL action in Montreal on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. The Canadian Press
The Montreal Canadiens have hit their first major stumble of the NHL season, dropping a second straight game on home ice in a crushing 7-0 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday. The defeat marks their fourth loss in five outings, a stark shift from their strong start.
Veteran forward Brendan Gallagher admitted the team faltered after a solid opening frame.
“The first period was really good. We probably outplayed them,” he said. “But the last 40 minutes were all them. They’re a good team. They punished our mistakes.”
A Promising Start Begins to Unravel
The Canadiens (10-5-2) entered the season with momentum after their unexpected playoff appearance last year. They opened with nine wins in their first 12 games, generating optimism around a young, fast group that seemed eager to build on last season’s progress.
But that early confidence took a hit on Tuesday when Montreal fell 5-1 to the Los Angeles Kings. Thursday’s blowout defeat intensified concerns that familiar problems may be resurfacing.
At league meetings earlier this week, general manager Kent Hughes acknowledged that Montreal must avoid the dramatic peaks and valleys that defined last season’s performance. The coming stretch will now reveal whether the team has grown.
Players Acknowledge First Real Test of the Season
Captain Nick Suzuki said the team must regroup quickly.
“It’s a long season. There are ups and downs,” he noted. “This is our first taste of adversity, where we haven’t played well for a few games. We need to respond. I believe we will.”
Gallagher echoed the sentiment.
“This is our first test this year,” he said. “We all remember last year and how hard it got when things spiraled. It’s on us to find answers now. I’m confident they’re in this room.”
Stars Dominate in All Areas
Dallas controlled much of the night behind two goals and an assist from Jason Robertson. Goaltender Casey DeSmith recorded 23 saves. Wyatt Johnston, celebrating his 100th career goal, also found the net, along with Esa Lindell, Tyler Seguin, Colin Blackwell and Alexander Petrovic.
Despite the lopsided score, Montreal held a 14-5 shot advantage in the first period and outshot Dallas 24-19 overall. Head coach Martin St. Louis called it a “weird game,” suggesting the score did not reflect the Canadiens’ overall effort.
“We’re still a confident group,” he said. “We’ve hit a small roadblock, and every team does. We’ll keep pushing.”
Newhook Injury Adds to Frustration
The night worsened early in the second period when forward Alex Newhook exited with a right-leg injury after going feet-first into the boards.
“He’s going to be out for a little bit,” Gallagher said. “He worked so hard this off-season and was having an unbelievable start. You feel for him.”
Newhook recorded 12 points in 17 games and had become a key contributor on the penalty kill.
Goaltending Questions Continue
Montreal’s goaltending remains uncertain.
Jakub Dobes, impressive in his six-win start, allowed five goals on 13 shots and was pulled after two periods. Sam Montembeault replaced him and allowed two more.
St. Louis said the switch was necessary but expressed no concern about their confidence.
Dobes’ save percentage has slipped to .901, while Montembeault sits at .857.
“There are always several things that lead to a puck going in,” Gallagher said. “We need to help them more and make their job easier.”
The Canadiens now face a pivotal moment — one that will reveal whether this early slide is temporary or a sign of deeper issues.
