Devils vs Canadiens: Montreal Secures Eighth Consecutive Win in Nail-Biting Shootout
NEWARK, N.J. – The Montreal Canadiens continued their impressive run, defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in a shootout at the Prudential Center on Saturday. Cole Caufield delivered two assists, extending his point streak to five games, while Oliver Kapanen sealed the victory with the decisive goal in the fifth round of the tie-breaker.
The Canadiens initially built a commanding 3-0 lead, but the Devils mounted a furious comeback, scoring three consecutive goals to level the playing field. Despite the Devils’ resurgence, Montreal held on to secure the win.
A Game of Two Halves
“I think we’re a good team but it’s not because you’re a good team that it’s going to be perfect all the time,” said Montreal coach Martin St. Louis. “It’s not because you’re a good team that you’re not going to slip in some areas. We’re just trying to stick with our process and talk the truth about where we are. I feel tonight wasn’t our best, but we found a way.”
Timo Meier’s late goal, a snap shot with Jake Allen pulled for an extra attacker, tied the game 3-3 at 17:45 of the third period. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent the Canadiens from prevailing in the shootout.
Canadiens’ Offensive Powerhouse
Jayden Struble, Ivan Demidov, and Lane Hutson each found the back of the net for the Canadiens, bringing their record to 45-21-10 (100 points). This win marks their second-longest win streak in the past 30 years, following eight-game runs in 2016-17 and 2005-06. The team previously achieved nine straight wins in 2015-16.
Jakub Dobes was stellar in net, making 35 saves to secure his fifth consecutive start win. “I felt like my confidence was always there; it’s just feeling comfortable, feeling good, and playing good hockey with the team,” Dobes stated. “That’s really important right now.”
Playoff Push
Montreal now trails the first-place Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division by just two points and is tied with the Buffalo Sabres. Reaching 100 points for the first time since 2016-17 (103 points), the Canadiens are focused on securing a favorable playoff position.
“I feel 100 points is good, but we’re trying to get the best possible position for us to start (the Stanley Cup Playoffs) at home,” Dobes added. “We’re trying to finish first; that’s the main focus right now.”
Devils’ Response
Jack Hughes and Meier each contributed a goal and an assist for the New Jersey Devils (39-34-3), who have a 7-3-1 record in their last 11 games. Jake Allen made 26 saves in his second consecutive start.
“Overtime is a crap shoot; there’s no theories, no structure, no nothing,” Allen commented. “It’s let your skill take over and you’re going to win some, and going to lose some. But there were great chances at both ends. I think the fans got all the price of admission.”
Key Moments
- Struble opened the scoring for Montreal with a wrist shot in the first period.
- Demidov extended the lead with a power-play goal, assisted by Caufield.
- Hutson made it 3-0 with a wrist shot from the high slot.
- Mercer and Hughes scored for the Devils, attempting to rally their team.
The Canadiens and Devils will face off again on Sunday at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Caufield’s Continued Excellence
While Caufield didn’t score, he continues to be a pivotal player for the Canadiens. He is one goal shy of becoming the first Canadiens player to reach 50 goals in a season since Stephane Richer in 1989-90. His five-game point streak (nine points; five goals, four assists) highlights his consistent contribution.
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