Imagine a hockey showdown where one team starts sluggish but claws its way back, only to see a breakout star change everything—sounds like the stuff of epic comebacks, right? Dive in as we break down the Montreal Canadiens' thrilling 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, where Ivan Demidov emerged as the hero in Vancouver. But here's where it gets controversial: Was Montreal's penalty-prone style a tactical gamble or just sloppy play begging for more discipline? Stick around to see how a rookie sensation turned the tide, and don't miss the part most people overlook about that late-game survival mode.
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Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
- I've got a sneaking suspicion that the Canadiens might rack up more trips to the penalty box than the Canucks by game's end, forcing them to dig deep on the kill.
First period
- Ray Ferraro brings a real step up in energy compared to Garry Galley as our color commentator tonight—his insights could make this broadcast even more engaging.
- The Canucks are opting for shots aimed at tipping in front of goalie Jakub Dobeš, which isn't the flashiest strategy but might pay off against a Montreal defense that's struggling.
- Elias Pettersson misses out on a tip-in; instead, he receives a cross-crease feed with Ivan Demidov guarding him and scores the first goal to get Vancouver on the board.
- I honestly expected the Canadiens to come out firing after their last outing, but right now, they seem completely out of sync and disinterested.
- Kirby Dach speeds down the wing, firing a shot that glances off Kevin Lankinen's shoulder, and the rebound slips just past the other two forwards waiting nearby.
- Arber Xhekaj lets Conor Garland slip by and has to hook him to halt the play, sending Montreal to the penalty kill for two minutes.
- Vancouver creates a few opportunities, but the Canadiens hold firm through the minor penalty.
- With under eight minutes left, play halts for commercials, and Montreal has managed only two shots so far.
- Even the top line can't seem to complete a pass during this frame—frustrating for fans rooting for precision.
- Every shot attempt Montreal generates gets swatted away by a teammate in a Canadiens jersey; their execution looks downright terrible at this point.
- The first solid setup in the offensive zone for Montreal fizzles when Alexandre Carrier's weak point shot is easily blocked.
- And just like that, a truly dismal period of hockey wraps up for the Canadiens, leaving them trailing and needing to regroup.
Second period
- Montreal shows signs of improvement in the early going, actually stringing together some decent puck possession and plays.
- They've already matched their shot total from the entire first period within just four minutes—a promising sign.
- A strong two-minute offensive-zone stretch for Montreal ends abruptly when Joe Veleno takes a penalty.
- Josh Anderson gets a short-handed breakaway courtesy of Jake Evans, but he rings it off the post, keeping the game out of reach.
- Quinn Hughes unleashes a point shot that Jake DeBrusk tips home, bringing Montreal within an inch of tying it at 2-0—heartbreakingly close.
- Vancouver's strategy seems centered on high-volume shooting; Dobeš's mask is collecting dents, perhaps unaware that the backup goalie shift is no longer handled by Cayden Primeau.
- Xhekaj commits a blatantly obvious interference call to create space for his defensive partner behind the net, earning a two-minute bench visit—and potentially more time on the sidelines.
- The Canucks mirror that poor decision on their own power play with a similar pick play; the referee's arm was raised even before the contact occurred.
As Xhekaj's penalty expires, Montreal enjoys a brief power play where Ivan Demidov connects perfectly with Nick Suzuki from across the ice, extending the captain's point streak.
A solid follow-up shift from the top line nearly levels the score, with the Canadiens suddenly exhibiting great puck movement.
Even with only five seconds remaining, the Evans line pushes relentlessly for a goal and draws a penalty that carries over to the third period.
Third period
- Vancouver starts by controlling possession and keeping the Canadiens at bay.
Juraj Slafkovský snaps his stick in celebration as the puck finds the net—excitement building.
Demidov notches two primary assists this evening, showcasing his role as a key playmaker.
The Canadiens are reviving their breakout strategy: one player draws defenders, pauses to freeze them, then hits a speeding teammate to break through. It's the tactic that's made opponents look sluggish all year, and it's finally clicking here.
Evander Kane delivers a cross-check to Cole Caufield's head into the boards and then protests the call—imagine if complaining about clear penalties automatically added extra time in the box for emphasis on sportsmanship.
On the power play, Demidov nearly secures his third primary point but gets stopped by Lankinen at the net's edge.
Demidov's presence gives the top unit a fresh dynamic, like having two quarterbacks on a football field, one for playmaking and one for scoring.
Montreal builds serious momentum off that power play, even without a goal—it's been ages since an unsuccessful advantage generated such energy.
They score next on a Matheson shot, and suddenly the Canadiens are fully engaged and dominant.
Quinn Hughes grabs Nick Suzuki in a puck race, resulting in an icing call, leaving Suzuki gesturing in frustration.
Demidov adds another primary assist at even strength, firing a bullet from the right faceoff dot that deflects off a Canucks defenseman's leg and into the net.
The Olés chant kicks off at Rogers Arena, energizing the crowd.
The Canadiens are now in preservation mode, protecting a two-goal lead.
Newhook holds onto the puck on a two-on-one with Demidov; personally, I'd have liked to see a pass attempt, even if risky.
Vancouver scores another tip-in, forcing the Canadiens to refocus and play.
Slafkovský misses the empty net from center ice—such a golden opportunity.
A shot sails wide of Montreal's goal with 30 seconds left.
The Canadiens are meticulously running out the clock with icings, second by second.
As time expires, the puck glides toward the Canucks' end, sealing the outcome.
A 4-3 road win improves their trip record to 2-1 and overall to 7-3, setting up Tuesday's clash in Seattle.
EOTP 3 Stars
3) The Maple Leafs aren’t even popular at Scotiabank Arena
2) This is looking more likely by the game
1) Never bet against Ivan Demidov
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Now, let's stir the pot a bit: Do you think Montreal's reliance on penalties is a strategic flaw that undermines their talent, or does it add an unpredictable edge that keeps opponents guessing? And what about Demidov's rapid rise—rookie phenom or just lucky breaks? I'd love to hear your takes in the comments—agree, disagree, or share your own hot takes!
