Toffoli’s Milestone Night
Toffoli, who had not scored in his first game against Montreal, found the net three times. “It was nice to get the first one, having not scored since coming (back),” Toffoli said. “Once that happened, it felt like I was just getting a ton of opportunities and very fortunate for sure.”
Devils’ Offensive Surge
Alexander Holtz and Nico Hischier also scored for New Jersey, while Jack Hughes, continuing his impressive season, tallied four assists. Goalie Vitek Vanecek made 27 saves. Hughes has 14 points in five games, placing him among the league’s top scorers.
Canadiens’ Efforts
Justin Barron and Mike Matheson scored for Montreal, coming off a 3-1 win over Buffalo. In his first start of the season, Cayden Primeau made 29 saves. “I thought he played well, I thought he gave us a chance,” head coach Martin St. Louis said of Primeau.
Power Play Precision
The Devils excelled on the power play, going 2 for 4 and maintaining a league-best 44% conversion rate. “It’s something we’ve worked hard on, I think our guys have matured,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “We know there will be a few games it doesn’t click, but you gotta make hay when the sun is shining.” Montreal was 1 for 4 with the man advantage.
Game Highlights
Toffoli broke a 1-1 tie late in the second period with a wrist shot off a cross-ice pass from Hughes. Hischier extended the Devils’ lead with a power-play goal early in the third, followed by Toffoli’s second goal on a power play. Matheson brought Montreal closer with a power-play goal, but Toffoli sealed the win with an empty-netter.
Early Scoring and Savard’s Injury
Montreal scored with Barron’s goal, while Holtz tied it up for New Jersey later in the first period. Veteran defenseman David Savard is out six to eight weeks with a fractured left hand, joining Kirby Dach and Kaiden Guhle on the Canadiens’ injured list. Montreal recalled Gustav Lindstrom from their AHL affiliate.
Upcoming Games
- Devils: Start a three-game homestand against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.
Canadiens: The Canadiens host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday in the second game of their three-game homestand.
