MONTREAL — Canadiens Triumph Over Penguins in Thrilling 5-4 Win
In an exhilarating matchup on Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens emerged victorious against the Pittsburgh Penguins, securing a 5-4 win and marking their fifth consecutive victory.
Josh Anderson was a standout for the Canadiens, scoring two goals and contributing an assist. Chris Kreider added to the scoreline with a goal and an assist, while Oliver Kapanen and Alexandre Texier also found the back of the net. The Canadiens, now boasting a record of 9-3-2, returned home after a successful four-game road trip in the Western Conference.
Goalie Jacob Fowler delivered an impressive performance, making 25 saves. With this victory, he became the third rookie goalie for the Canadiens in the last four decades to achieve seven straight wins.
On the opposing side, Pittsburgh saw contributions from Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson, each recording a goal and two assists. Tommy Novak and Rickard Rakell also played pivotal roles, each scoring once and adding an assist for the Penguins, who now hold a record of 5-7-2.
Sergei Murashov faced 22 shots in goal but struggled to find form, continuing his winless run this season.
Fast-Paced First Period
The game kicked off with Karlsson lighting the lamp on a power play at 2:08, setting the tone early. The Canadiens quickly countered, scoring two goals within 24 seconds. Kapanen broke through at 2:41, netting his first goal in 24 games. Shortly thereafter, Anderson intercepted a pass and fired a shot into the top-right corner of the net.
Pittsburgh responded with a goal from Novak at 7:28, slipping a backhand past Fowler during a fast-paced sequence.
Canadiens Extend Their Lead
The Canadiens came out strong in the second period, scoring twice within 27 seconds to secure a 4-2 lead. Texier showcased his skills with a deke after receiving a clever behind-the-back pass from Lane Hutson, followed by Kreider scoring on a rebound.
Rakell pulled one back for Pittsburgh at 3:45, beating Fowler with a glove-side shot. However, Anderson quickly restored the two-goal lead by deflecting a point shot from Hutson, with the puck ricocheting off Murashov and defenceman Kris Letang before finding the net.
Late Game Drama
Crosby narrowed the deficit with just 3:11 remaining, scoring off a rebound as the Penguins pulled their goalie in a bid for an equalizer.
Injury Updates
The Canadiens played without captain Nick Suzuki, who missed his fifth consecutive game due to a hand injury, although he participated in the team’s optional morning skate. Defenceman Mike Matheson, sidelined for two weeks with a lower body injury, and forward Kirby Dach, who was sick, also did not play.
On the Penguins’ side, Murashov’s struggles continued as he dropped to a 0-4-1 record for the season, with an .883 save percentage and a 3.50 goals-against average.
Noteworthy Moments
Owen Beck, called up from the AHL due to Suzuki’s absence, made his presence known by delivering a big hit on Penguins defenceman Kaedan Korczak and engaging in his first NHL fight against forward Blake Lizotte.
Additionally, Crosby’s assist on the first goal marked his 1,112th career assist, enabling him to surpass Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque for the most assists with a single franchise in NHL history. He also matched Marcel Dionne’s tally of 1,771 career points, moving into a tie for sixth on the all-time scoring list.
Upcoming Matches
The Penguins will host the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, while the Canadiens prepare to take on the Winnipeg Jets at home on the same day.
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