Oliver Kapanen scored the decisive goal in the shootout as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on Saturday night. The result extended Montreal’s winning streak to eight games and pushed the team to 100 points for the first time in nearly a decade.
The Canadiens built an early lead, then held on through a late push from New Jersey before finishing the game in the shootout. Montreal showed composure in key moments, while the Devils rallied late but could not complete the comeback.
The game featured sharp shifts in momentum. Montreal controlled the early stages, New Jersey responded in the second period, and both teams traded chances before the shootout decided the outcome.
Canadiens Take Early Control
Montreal set the tone with a strong opening period. The Canadiens controlled possession and created scoring chances through sustained pressure.
Jayden Struble opened the scoring late in the first period. His goal gave Montreal a lead and rewarded the team’s early effort.
The Canadiens extended their advantage in the second period with a quick burst. Ivan Demidov scored on the power play, and Lane Hutson followed just over a minute later with an unassisted goal.
Those two goals gave Montreal a 3-0 lead and appeared to put the Devils on the defensive. The Canadiens moved the puck efficiently and capitalized on their opportunities.
Jakub Dobes supported the effort in net. He made key saves during New Jersey’s attempts to respond and kept Montreal in control through the early stages of the game.
Devils Respond In Second Period
New Jersey began to shift momentum in the second period. The Devils increased their pace and generated more pressure in the offensive zone.
Dawson Mercer cut into the deficit with a goal midway through the period. His finish gave New Jersey a foothold and helped the team build confidence.
Jack Hughes followed with a short-handed goal late in the period. He scored during a penalty kill, reducing the margin to one and energizing the Devils heading into the third.
New Jersey also handled a double-minor penalty late in the period, preventing Montreal from extending its lead. That sequence kept the game within reach and set up a competitive final period.
Late Equalizer Forces Extra Time
The third period featured tight play from both teams. Montreal attempted to protect its lead, while New Jersey pushed for the equalizer.
Timo Meier delivered for the Devils late in regulation. He scored with just over two minutes remaining, tying the game at 3-3 and forcing overtime.
The goal capped New Jersey’s comeback from a three-goal deficit. The Devils showed persistence and capitalized on their late opportunity.
Montreal remained composed after conceding the tying goal. The Canadiens limited further chances and carried the game into overtime without allowing additional damage.
Shootout Decides Outcome
Overtime did not produce a winner, setting up a shootout. Both teams exchanged attempts before the contest reached the fifth round.
Kapanen stepped forward and scored with a wrist shot, beating the goaltender to give Montreal the advantage. His goal proved decisive, as the Canadiens secured the win.
Dobes finished with 35 saves and played a key role in keeping Montreal in position throughout the game. His performance helped stabilize the team during New Jersey’s comeback.
Milestone Night For Montreal
The win carried added significance for the Canadiens. Reaching 100 points marks an important step for the team and reflects its consistency over the season.
Montreal last reached that mark during the 2016-17 campaign. The current team has built momentum at a critical stage and strengthened its position ahead of the playoffs.
Cole Caufield contributed two assists but remains just short of a milestone of his own. He has 49 goals and is pursuing a 50-goal season, which would be a rare achievement for the franchise.
Devils Show Resilience Despite Loss
New Jersey’s comeback effort highlighted its resilience. The Devils responded after falling behind early and created chances throughout the second half.
Meier, Hughes, and Mercer each contributed goals, while Jake Allen made 26 saves. The team showed improved energy and execution after a slow start.
Despite the loss, the Devils demonstrated their ability to compete under pressure. Their late push forced overtime and kept the game close.
However, defensive lapses in the early stages proved costly. Allowing three goals in quick succession created a deficit that required a significant effort to overcome.
Looking Ahead
The two teams meet again in Montreal, providing an immediate opportunity for both sides to adjust. The Canadiens will aim to extend their winning streak, while the Devils will look to build on their late-game momentum.
Montreal enters the rematch with confidence and a strong run of results. New Jersey will focus on improving its start and maintaining consistency across all three periods.
The game reflected the importance of execution in key moments. Montreal capitalized early and finished the shootout, while New Jersey’s comeback fell just short.
