The Montreal Canadiens triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks for the second time in as many games this season.
On Friday night at the United Center, Martin St-Louis' men scored five unanswered goals and won 5-2.
It was Mitchell Stephens who got the ball rolling for the Habs in the second period. It was his first goal for Bleu-Blanc-Rouge, who were playing their tenth game in 2023–2024.
Before the end of the middle period, Josh Anderson and Juraj Slafkovsky took turns taking down goalkeeper Petr Mrazek. Both attackers are currently having good streaks of success. Both have taken five points in the last four games.
Nick Suzuki collected his 20th assist of the 2023-2024 season with the success of the very first pick of the 2022 draft. The CH captain also found the target in the third period and increased his total number of goals to 10.
Defenseman David Savard capped the scoring with a goal that was left behind in favor of a sixth fielder.
In front of the Canadian's goal, Cayden Primeau fended off 19 of the 21 pucks sent his way. He was thwarted by shots from Ryan Donato and Jason Dickinson. The 24-year-old goalkeeper played his seventh game of the season and achieved his fourth win.
Connor Bedard provided an assist. It was the fifth time he fed a teammate in his last three duels.
The Canadian is now enjoying a holiday break and will return to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, December 28th. This game will be the fourth in a series of seven games at opposing rinks.
SUMMARY
THIRD PERIOD
8:00 p.m. – End of the meeting.
19:32 – Connor Bedard gets a penalty. The Canadians will play on the power play.
18:04 – BUT MTL 5-2 David Savard delivers the final blow to the Blackhawks by firing into an empty net. This is his third this season.
13:21 – GOAL REJECTED MTL The Canadians added more 11 seconds later. Jake Evans hits the goal, but the Blackhawks claim it was offside. They won their case. The goal is not recognized.
13:10 – BUT MTL 4-2 Nick Suzuki jumps on the return throw and scores. His tenth goal of the season gave Montreal a two-goal lead. Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky are accomplices.
00:00- Start of period.
SECOND PERIOD
8:00 p.m.- End of period.
17:33 – BUT MTL 3-2 Juraj Slafkovsky jumps on a loose puck and scores his fourth goal of the season. Nick Suzuki and Jesse Ylönen are accomplices. Montreal takes the lead.
15:02 – BUT MTL 2-2 Josh Anderson, well looked after by Sean Monahan, completes the work. His fifth goal of the season allows Montreal to draw the game. Jake Evans also gets an assist.
12:25 – Jayden Struble delivers a solid check before being eliminated by MacKenzie Entwistle. The Canadians will play on the power play.
04:20 – BUT MTL 2-1 Mitchell Stephens skillfully directs Mike Matheson's shot into the goal. His first win of the season allowed Montreal to reduce the deficit. David Savard also gets an assist.
03:43 – CHI GOAL 2:0 Jason Dickinson puts the finishing touches to an excellent passing game. His 10th goal of the season gave Chicago a two-goal lead.
01:02 – Joel Armia receives a penalty. The Blackhawks will play on the power play.
00:00 – Start of period.
FIRST PERIOD
8:00 p.m. – End of period.
16:56 – CHI GOAL 1:0 The Blackhawks continue to attack. Ryan Donato's shot leaves Cayden Primeau no chance. Chicago opens the scoring.
15:54 – The Blackhawks threaten. Anthony Beauvillier gets a golden chance, but Jayden Struble intervenes and saves a goal.
09:42 – Connor Murphy gets a penalty. The Canadians will play on the power play.
00:00 – Start of the game.
In front of the net
Cayden Primeau Record: 3-3-0 / Goals Allowed Average: 3.40 / Efficiency Rate: 90.2%
Petr Mrazek Record: 8-10-0 / Goals Against Average: 3.04 / Efficiency Rate: 91.0%
Training from trainer Martin St-Louis