Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson (48) fights for control of the puck with New Jersey Devils center Juho Lammikko (83) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in Newark, N.J.
The Montreal Canadiens had a fast-paced road trip in New Jersey on Thursday night. It was only their second challenge this season against a hot team. The Devils, leaders of the Metropolitan Division, were playing elite hockey.
Montreal showed grit and skill. The game went to overtime before Jesper Bratt scored on a breakaway, handing the Canadiens a 4-3 defeat.
Dach Leads the Charge
Kirby Dach was the standout forward for Montreal. After two major ACL surgeries, his return is encouraging. Dach has scored three goals in the last two games. His goal against New Jersey came from being in the right spot, showing his confidence in taking contact at the net.
Dach battled hard in corners, regained strength in blue-line rushes, and displayed the form he showed before his injuries. Many believe he deserves another shot as the second-line centre. Ivan Demidov, in particular, could benefit from Dach’s presence.
Canadiens Kapanen’s Third-Period Heroics
Montreal took the lead in the third period thanks to Oliver Kapanen. The goal followed excellent work by Demidov and Alex Newhook. Demidov won the puck battle and passed to Newhook, whose shot led to Kapanen scoring a backhand rebound.
Earlier, Montreal killed two straight power plays from one of the league’s best units. Jake Evans tied the game with a precise five-hole shot on Jacob Markstrom, showcasing Montreal’s resilience.
Dobson Shines Quietly
On the blue line, Noah Dobson continues to impress. He contributed two assists and finished plus-three. Dobson has 10 points this season and plays a critical role on the penalty kill. His consistent performance remains under the radar but vital to the team.
Caufield Needs His Go-To Move
Cole Caufield, the team’s leading scorer, has struggled to use his signature breakaway move recently. Against New Jersey, he shot low on a breakaway, allowing Markstrom an easy save. Goal scorers must trust their best weapon, and Caufield is expected to regain confidence soon.
Fourth-Line Concerns
Joe Veleno’s performance remains inconsistent. Despite his skill, he often avoids contact and hesitates in crucial plays. The Canadiens may need to reconsider his role if he does not bring more physicality and urgency to the ice.
Points Streak Ends
The game also ended Nick Suzuki’s 12-game point streak, highlighting the Devils’ defensive strength.
Zharovsky Emerges as Top Prospect
Montreal’s prospect pool is gaining attention, especially Alexander Zharovsky. He is quickly becoming the team’s top prospect, surpassing Jacob Fowler, David Reinbacher, and Michael Hage in hype.
Zharovsky was a savvy pick by head scout Nick Bobrov. The Canadiens acquired him at 34th overall in the 2025 draft, trading two lower second-round picks. With 15 points in 15 KHL games, he is on pace to break rookie records set by Ivan Demidov.
Zharovsky’s skill set includes excellent puck protection, a long stride, and elite hands. He has more ice time than Demidov, giving him a strong chance to become an NHL star. While contracted in Russia until 2027, he may arrive earlier if he continues his exceptional play.
A Bright Future
The Canadiens’ young core is promising. Dach’s return, Dobson’s steady presence, and Zharovsky’s KHL dominance signal a team with both current grit and future potential. While the overtime loss was tough, Montreal’s talent and resilience were on full display.
