Canadiens 3, Jets 2 (SO): Montreal Steadies the Ship
This game will sting a little for the Winnipeg Jets. They came into Montreal trying to rebound from a rough stretch — one win in seven games. For long stretches, they looked like the more structured, composed team. Mark Scheifele’s early goal set the tone, and Kyle Connor kept the pressure on with his third straight game finding the net. It felt like the Jets had the right start, the right energy, and the right template.
But Montreal hung around. They didn’t fade, didn’t chase the game, and answered every Winnipeg push with one of their own. By the time the third period settled in, it was clear this was going to come down to which team could stay disciplined just a little longer. In the shootout, which is basically a coin toss, that team was Montreal. That’s where the Jets’ frustration will sit this morning.
Winnipeg did almost everything Scott Arniel asked for. They tracked back hard, limited odd-man rushes, and played a far cleaner defensive game than the one in Buffalo. But in a tight game with two sharp goaltenders, “almost” wasn’t enough.
Two Key Points for the Jets
Key Point One: The Jets’ Structure Returned — But Not Their Finish
The Jets actually defended well. Their gaps were solid, their forwards tracked back, and they didn’t give the Canadiens much in transition. But despite generating enough looks, they couldn’t turn pressure into a dagger goal when it mattered.
Key Point Two: The Jets’ Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor Showed Up
Both Scheifele and Connor had a goal and an assist — exactly what Winnipeg needed from their top players. But when the game tightened late, the Jets couldn’t create a third goal to put the Canadiens away.
Final Thoughts from the Winnipeg Perspective
For a team that’s been searching for positives, Winnipeg can take a few from this one. Eric Comrie was solid, the top line produced, and the defensive details were miles ahead of Monday’s loss in Buffalo.
Still, the Jets’ issue is becoming familiar: strong efforts, weak results. This team can grind with anyone, but they’re struggling to land that final punch. If Winnipeg wants to climb out of this skid, they’ll need more than structure — they’ll need finish.
The good news? Last night showed the blueprint still works. The bad news? They’ve got to start turning their good play into wins and points.
Two Key Points for the Canadiens
Key Point One: The Habs’ Cole Caufield Drives the Bus Again
A nine-game point streak, an assist, and the shootout winner — Cole Caufield was the Canadiens’ star. His playmaking continues to grow, and teammates see it. He’s becoming the offensive heartbeat of the Canadiens.
Key Point Two: Jakub Dobes Was Calm and Confident
Dobes made 29 saves and stopped all three Jets in the shootout. For a goalie still establishing himself, this was a signature performance — poised, controlled, and timely.
Final Thoughts from the Montreal Perspective
This is the kind of response Montreal needed after back-to-back losses. They handled momentum swings, trusted their depth, and got contributions from throughout the lineup. Juraj Slafkovsky’s growing confidence is noticeable, Nick Suzuki continues to pile up points, and Oliver Kapanen delivered again at a key moment.
Montreal isn’t a perfect team, but they’re building something: effort, detail, and resilience. Tonight was one of their most complete games of the season — and they earned the extra point.