**News You Need:**
Veteran Brendan Gallagher finally ended his scoring drought with the game’s opening goal in the final minute of the second period, deflecting Mike Matheson’s shot to score his eighth of the season. It’s worth noting that last year, Gallagher needed 46 games to reach this milestone, highlighting his quicker start this time around.
**About that NHL officiating:** Early in the third period, Oilers’ Zach Hyman collided with Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault, a play that appeared to be a clear case of interference. However, no penalty was called, leaving us questioning our understanding of the rules.
**Sometimes it’s the little things:** While Kaiden Guhle scored a beautiful goal beating Calvin Pickard high on the stick side from the left-wing circle nearly six minutes into the third, the play was set up by Cole Caufield. Caufield’s crucial work involved knocking Leon Draisaitl off the puck, setting up the sequence.
**He’s got competition for the Cy Young:** Caufield, who added another assist, now boasts a 12-4 points record. However, Brendan Gallagher, with his 8-2 performance, is emerging as a contender for the team’s best production.
**Quick stats:** Both Matheson and Guhle registered four shots on goal, with Matheson playing a team-high 24:03 minutes. Montembeault, who hadn’t recorded a shutout since the 2021-22 season, now has two shutouts in his last 15 games, marking the third of his career.
**They said it:**
– *Gallagher on the team’s performance:* “As the game went on, we got better and better. If we continue that throughout the season, we’ll be in a good spot. It’s about doing it consistently. We’re going to need to learn how to beat good teams. We’ve dug ourselves a hole, but if we keep playing like this, we’ll win more than we lose and gradually climb back in.”
– *Guhle on his injury after taking a shot from Bouchard:* “It hurt, but I got some scans, taped it up, and got some meds and numbing cream. After 15-20 minutes, I felt better. You never know right away how fast the shot was, but it’s pretty sore at first. Fortunately, I was good to go.”
– *Montembeault on his shutout performance:* “Getting a shutout against one of the best players in the world is special. The team played great defensively, limiting their chances, and I didn’t face too many difficult shots.”
As the Canadiens continue their season, it’s clear they’re finding some rhythm, and with more consistent play, they could steadily improve their position.
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