Canadiens Take Control Early as Caufield Shines
Montreal wasted little time asserting its pace against the Utah Mammoth, riding a balanced scoring attack and a sturdy defensive effort to a 6-2 victory on home ice. Cole Caufield stood out, delivering two goals that underscored his scoring touch and the Canadiens’ depth up front. In a game that featured strong goaltending and timely goals, Montreal looked nothing like a team still adjusting to the grind of the NHL season.
The Canadiens received production across multiple lines, with Oliver Kapanen and Alex Newhook both contributing a goal and an assist. Their combined efforts helped spread the offensive load and kept Utah chasing the game from the outset. Montreal’s special- teams and five-on-five play clicked at crucial moments, providing the cushion needed to weather any Mammoth pushes.
Caufield and Montembeault Shine in a Team-First Victory
Cole Caufield’s two-goal performance was the centerpiece of the night, but it was a team-wide effort that made the difference. Caufield showcased his scoring instincts—finding seams, firing with precision, and finishing plays that sparked the Bell Centre crowd. Meanwhile, netminder Sam Montembeault was the backbone of Montreal’s defense, turning aside 25 shots and maintaining composure as Utah mounted pressure in stretches of the middle period.
Montembeault’s steadiness complemented a defense that rarely allowed the Mammoth time and space to set up clean looks. His performance was a reminder of why Montreal has trusted him to handle the crease as the season unfolds. When Utah did break through, the Canadiens answered with quick counterpressure and efficient pivoting that kept momentum on Montreal’s side for most of the night.
Supporting Roles Shine: Suzuki, Dach, and More
Nick Suzuki added his own goal as part of a group effort to keep the scoreboard moving. Kirby Dach also found the back of the net, contributing to Montreal’s multi-goal spread that proved too much for Utah to chase. The depth scoring is particularly encouraging for a team looking to maximize its offensive options across lines, a trend that carried Montreal past the Mammoth on this particular Saturday.
Beyond the scorers, several Canadiens players chipped in with quality shifts, helping to sustain forechecks and create second-chance opportunities. The balance of contributions—from veterans to younger players—suggests Montreal is building a more versatile attack, one better suited to handle the varied styles encountered across the league.
What This Win Means for Montreal
With the win, Montreal reinforces its competitive footing and strengthens its position as the season progresses. The mix of Caufield’s goals, Montembeault’s goaltending, and the scoring depth from Kapanen, Newhook, Suzuki, and Dach offers a blueprint for success: strong goaltending, disciplined defense, and a flexible offense capable of adjusting to different opponents.
Looking ahead, the Canadiens will aim to carry this momentum into their next matchup, building on the confidence that comes from a well-rounded team effort. For fans, the game offered a demonstration of the club’s potential when all lines function in harmony and the crease is well protected.
Game Details
Final score: Montreal Canadiens 6, Utah Mammoth 2. Key players included Cole Caufield with two goals, Oliver Kapanen with a goal and an assist, Alex Newhook with a goal and an assist, Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach also scoring, and Sam Montembeault recording 25 saves.
Notes
The win adds a positive chapter to Montreal’s season as they aim to sustain offensive balance and defensive reliability. Fans can expect a continued emphasis on getting multiple contributors involved and maintaining a solid performance in goal whenever Montembeault is between the pipes.
