Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: A Riveting Showdown
An electrifying atmosphere filled Montreal’s Bell Centre as the Montreal Canadiens faced off against their long-time rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, in a match ripe with competitive spirit despite both teams struggling in recent appearances. The Canadiens, with brothers Florian and Arber Xhekaj on the ice, initiated a physical playstyle early on, laying down significant hits to gain momentum, even if their shots on goal were initially limited.
Rookie Goaltender Shines
In a surprising twist, rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes received a rare Saturday night start, a decision made by coach Martin St-Louis following Samuel Montembeault‘s previous performance. Dobes made an immediate impact, stopping all 11 shots in the first period, showcasing impressive reflexes—including a critical save on a near-miss wrap-around attempt. When Toronto did eventually break the ice with a powerful shot from Oliver Ekman-Larsson, it was only after the Leafs had already taken 15 shots. Dobes, however, showed promise throughout, particularly in the subsequent periods, ultimately saving 24 of the 26 shots that came his way, leading to a commendable .923 save percentage.
Strategic Play and Team Resilience
As the game progressed, the Canadiens adopted a more deliberate playing strategy, resulting in fewer shots—just three in the final period—but they managed to maintain control of the puck. This allowed the Leafs to apply pressure but Dobes remained consistent, stopping eight shots in that frame. His performance served as a confidence booster, especially since the game ended in a 5-2 victory for the Canadiens.
Debut and Team Contributions
Framing the stage was Florian Xhekaj’s impressive debut, which energized his teammates and the home crowd. St-Louis emphasized the importance of playing to one’s strengths, and Xhekaj did not disappoint, contributing not only physically but also with a key play that assisted Josh Anderson‘s goal. After a tussle involving Brendan Gallagher and Toronto’s Dakota Mermis, Xhekaj stepped up, thrilling fans and his teammates alike as he stood up for Gallagher, a moment that enhanced his reputation in his opening game.
Meanwhile, Jujar Slafkovsky showcased growth by playing with confidence and engagement despite being relegated to the second power play unit. His contributions included assisting on a goal while demonstrating active presence across the ice, marking what coach St-Louis described as one of his best outings this season. Slafkovsky’s efforts, along with two shots and considerable hustle, exemplified the depth of talent on this Canadiens roster, even in the face of injury setbacks.
Looking Ahead
Although the Maple Leafs were missing key players, including their starting goaltender and captain Auston Matthews, the Canadiens proved their resilience and capacity to compete effectively. The team will take a day of rest before practicing Monday morning in Brossard, prior to hitting the road for three challenging games against western league opponents, including a rematch with the Utah Mammoth and encounters with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche.
