Montreal: Terry nets his second goal of the game with a power-play effort.
The Montreal Canadiens secured a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over the Anaheim Ducks at Bell Centre on Monday night, with Patrik Laine continuing his hot streak. Laine, who recently returned from a knee injury, made a powerful impact by scoring a goal during regulation and another in the shootout. Teammate Cole Caufield also contributed to the tiebreaker, ensuring a win for the Canadiens.
Montreal’s goalie, Sam Montembeault, played a vital role, stopping Anaheim's two shootout attempts and making 27 saves overall. Reflecting on Laine’s exceptional performance, Montembeault praised his teammate’s skills, saying, "His shot is so hard to stop for a goalie."
For Anaheim, Troy Terry shined with two goals and six shots on target, narrowly missing a chance to end the game in overtime when his shot hit the crossbar. Anaheim goalie Lukas Dostal made 19 saves but struggled during critical moments, including an error that allowed Kirby Dach to score his first goal since October 26.
The Canadiens took the lead early in the first period when Laine unleashed a powerful slapshot from Nick Suzuki's cross-ice pass, marking his third power-play goal in four games. However, the Ducks responded swiftly, with Terry scoring a backhand rebound to tie the game at 1-1.
The second period saw Terry giving Anaheim a 2-1 edge on a power play, tapping in a precise pass from Alex Killorn. Montreal quickly equalized just 11 seconds later, as Dach capitalized on Dostal’s misstep, assisted by Juraj Slafkovsky, who set up the perfect opportunity from behind the net.
The tightly contested game remained deadlocked through regulation and overtime, setting the stage for an exciting shootout. Laine and Caufield delivered decisive goals, while Montembeault kept Anaheim at bay, sealing the Canadiens' third win in their last four games.
After the game, Terry acknowledged the intensity of playing in Montreal, calling it one of his favourite venues. He praised his team’s effort in a fast-paced matchup but lamented the missed opportunities. "I felt good tonight, but that’s just how it sometimes goes," Terry said.
Anaheim’s new defenseman Jacob Trouba made his debut after being traded from the New York Rangers, logging over 22 minutes of ice time and displaying his trademark physical style. Terry commended Trouba’s impact on both ends of the ice, noting his presence in key offensive plays.
The Canadiens also celebrated a milestone for rookie defenseman Lane Hutson, who set a franchise record with a seven-game assist streak. His 21 assists in 30 games put him among an elite group of NHL defensemen, highlighting his impressive start.
Montreal captain Nick Suzuki extended his point streak to seven games, boosting the team’s confidence as they continue their season.
