Game recap: Canadiens overpower Mammoth
The Montreal Canadiens cruised to a 6-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Saturday, with Cole Caufield delivering two goals and Sam Montembeault turning aside 25 shots in net. The win reiterated Montreal’s offensive depth and solidified their grip in a tight early-season slate.
Montreal got off to a fast start, with Oliver Kapanen and Alex Newhook contributing a goal and an assist apiece to pace the attack. Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach also found the back of the net, helping the Canadiens build a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The scoring barrage showcased a balanced attack and the ability to convert on power plays, while Montembeault’s steadiness between the pipes provided the backbone for the win.
Key performances
Cole Caufield was the standout, scoring twice and providing the kind of high-end finish that teams rely on to spark a win, especially when the game tightens later. His goals demonstrated his one-timer precision and willingness to attack the net with purpose. Oliver Kapanen added a key contribution on offense, cementing his role as a versatile winger who can create opportunities in multiple zones. Alex Newhook’s assist and goal highlighted his continued adaptation and chemistry with teammates, feeding into Montreal’s depth scoring.
Sam Montembeault matched the Canadiens’ early offensive momentum with reliable goaltending. Making 25 saves, he controlled rebounds and shielded the crease against sustained pressure from Utah, a performance that will be welcomed by a team looking to stabilize goaltending depth as the season unfolds.
Strategic notes and momentum
Montreal’s approach blended veteran savvy with young talent, leveraging quick transition play and smart puck retrieval to create several quality looks. The Canadiens’ special-teams execution was also a factor, converting opportunities when Utah pressed to narrow the gap. By maintaining a steady defensive structure and pushing the pace in transition, Montreal was able to dictate tempo and prevent Utah from mounting sustained pressure late in periods.
What this means moving forward
For the Canadiens, the win adds to early-season confidence in their forward lines and depth. With Caufield delivering the kind of multi-goal game that energizes a club, Montreal gains traction in the standings and in the locker room. Montembeault’s performance provides a reassuring safety net for the back end, especially if the team looks to balance minutes and preserve energy across back-to-back set of games.
Looking ahead
Montreal will look to build on this momentum as they face a string of upcoming opponents, testing their depth and consistency across minutes. Utah will regroup and refocus, aiming to tighten defensively and find its edge in future contests. The early-season indicators suggest both teams have areas to refine, but this game underscored Montreal’s potential ceiling when Caufield is firing and Montembeault is solid between the pipes.
Final thoughts
In a game that showcased high-end skill and balanced scoring, the Canadiens demonstrated their capability to win with contributions across the lineup. Caufield’s pair of goals, combined with Newhook’s production and Kapanen’s spark, provided the offense the team needed, while Montembeault’s steady performance ensured a comfortable margin that capitalized on Montreal’s overall depth.
