Overview: A tough night in Montreal for Woll
In a game that quickly swung in the Canadiens’ direction, the visiting goaltender Woll faced pressure almost from the opening whistle. Montreal laid down a consistent forecheck, forcing the offense to scramble and the defense to absorb more zone time than they anticipated. By the time the first period ended, the scoreboard reflected the kind of night that testing young keepers tends to produce.
Early momentum shifts
Montreal struck first with a sharp sequence that found the back of the net on a high-tempo cycle around the crease. The reaction from the home crowd was palpable, and the momentum carried forward as the Canadiens continued to press. For Woll, the early pressure exposed the gaps in the goaltending crease, with puck reactions becoming a focal point for Montreal’s attack plan.
Mercy hook: the decision to pull the starter
With multiple sustained waves of pressure and a deficit that was growing, the coaching staff made the call to pull Woll to inject a spark and stabilize the game. The move—often described as a “mercy hook” in the heat of a lopsided contest—was a practical decision aimed at giving the team a chance to reset and regroup before the start of the second period.
Canadiens’ continued control
After the goalie switch, Montreal’s control of the pace remained evident. The home team executed clean breakouts, supported by an aggressive forecheck that forced mistakes and bad clears from the visitors. Montreal’s depth players began to convert chances, turning set-ups into goals and extending the lead into the late stages of the game.
What this means for both teams going forward
For Woll, the outing offers a clear reminder of the tightrope walk that young netminders face in the NHL: the need to adapt quickly to high-volume pressure and the importance of mental resilience in the crease. Coaches will review film to identify rebound control, angle management, and how to handle pressure in the low slot.
On the Montreal side, the win reinforces the home-ice advantage they’ve built. The Canadiens used this game to validate their game plan, particularly their forecheck and puck retrieval in the offensive zone. For fans, the result was a reminder of the team’s current form and their potential trajectory toward a deeper playoff push if they maintain this level of play.
Looking ahead
Both teams will tighten their processes in practice this week, focusing on goaltender recovery, defensive coverage, and the efficiency of their transition game. The next matchup will be a chance for Woll and his club to respond with a more balanced, evenly played game where they can test Montreal’s defense without surrendering control so readily. The league schedule keeps fans and analysts watching closely as this young goaltender develops and as Montreal builds consistency on home ice.
