Canadian Teams Morning Review – Jan. 13: Habs, Canucks, Oilers & Leafs
Monday night was one of those evenings where Canadian hockey fans got a little taste of everything. Wins, streaks, and milestones for three of the league’s most scrutinized teams offered both reassurance and perspective. There were moments of dominance, moments of struggle, and, perhaps most importantly, moments that revealed which players and structures might carry these teams into March and April.
For the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs, the common thread was depth stepping up. Whether through secondary scoring, defensive reliability, or clutch finishes, each club leaned on more than just its top stars. Yet the night also reminded us that underlying issues remain. Vancouver, struggling to find stability, was reminded of just how steep the climb can be. Colorado, despite a near-perfect home record, discovered that no streak is untouchable.
From a Canadian perspective, the mood was cautiously optimistic. The wins didn’t erase earlier deficiencies, but they demonstrated that patience, line juggling, and structured play could make a meaningful difference. Across three cities, we saw flashes of what makes hockey compelling: individual brilliance backed by collective cohesion.
Montreal Canadiens 6 – Vancouver Canucks 3
For the Montreal Canadiens, this wasn’t just another win. Mike Matheson and Juraj Slafkovsky scored goals 37 seconds apart to open the third period, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Vancouver Canucks. Alexandre Carrier added two goals in 20 seconds during the second period, including his 100th career point, giving Montreal a blueprint for bouncing back from recent setbacks.
Jakub Dobes, making his first start since January 1, stopped 20 shots and helped the Canadiens claim their fourth straight victory over the Canucks. Dobes has now beaten Vancouver twice this season, showing the importance of reliable goaltending when secondary scoring and depth players contribute.
On Vancouver’s side, Elias Pettersson, Evander Kane, and Max Sasson all scored, but the Canucks continue to struggle on the road. Nikita Tolopilo made 35 saves in his first start since December 8 under emergency recall conditions, highlighting the injury challenges the team is facing with Thatcher Demko sidelined. The night was a reminder: even flashes of individual skill can’t compensate for systemic inconsistency.
Key player: Alexandre Carrier
Defining moment: Carrier’s two-goal burst in the second period that swung momentum firmly to Montreal.
Edmonton Oilers 4 – Chicago Blackhawks 1
In Edmonton, the Oilers were efficient and controlled, leaning on Connor McDavid’s point streak, now 19 games, and Evan Bouchard’s two-goal performance. Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman also scored, while Connor Ingram stopped 29 shots to manage Chicago’s sporadic pushes.
McDavid assisted on Edmonton’s first two goals, keeping the Oilers ahead despite Tyler Bertuzzi narrowing the margin late with his 24th goal. Bouchard sealed the game with an empty-netter, reinforcing the depth in Edmonton’s lineup. A tactical note: Edmonton dominated puck possession and created consistent pressure in the offensive zone, making the game tilt early and hold.
Chicago’s challenges were clear. Without Connor Bedard and dealing with Teuvo Teravainen’s injury, they relied heavily on Artyom Levshunov, who skated over 24 minutes. The effort was there, but Edmonton’s execution and depth left the Blackhawks chasing shadows.
Key player: Connor McDavid
Defining moment: McDavid’s early two assists set the tone, establishing control and forcing Chicago into reactive play.
Toronto Maple Leafs 4 – Colorado Avalanche 3 OT
Toronto’s win in Denver was as much about hanging in there as it was skill. William Nylander scored 3:59 into overtime after a pass from Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ending Colorado’s 17-game home winning streak. The Maple Leafs relied on depth scoring from Auston Matthews, Easton Cowan, and Bobby McMann, and Joseph Woll’s 31 saves under pressure preserved the opportunity until overtime.
Colorado threatened late in regulation. Martin Necas tied the game with 7:05 left, and Nathan MacKinnon had two first-period assists. Still, the Maple Leafs’ patience under pressure made the difference. Nicholas Robertson, leaving the ice after a leg injury, reminded fans that even in victory, adversity remains.
This win wasn’t a fluke. It was about discipline and patience. Toronto showed that when lines are balanced and players stick to the system, even the league’s best home teams can be pushed.
Key player: William Nylander
Defining moment: Nylander’s overtime goal—snapping Colorado’s streak and proving that patience under pressure pays off.
Monday Night’s Takeaways for Canadian Teams
The Canadian teams all made a point in their own ways. Montreal leaned on secondary scoring and steady goaltending. Edmonton combined superstar talent with key contributions from role players. Toronto showed that focus and composure can beat a powerhouse at home.