Canadiens Quick Hits: Anderson, Dobson & Xhekaj

Montreal showed Saturday night that sometimes it’s not about who has the flashiest roster or the prettiest plays—it’s about who’s ready to dig in, capitalize on opportunities, and make the other team’s mistakes cost them. The Maple Leafs came in thinking they had the edge, but the Canadiens were sharper, quicker on the forecheck, and opportunistic when the chances appeared. By the final horn, Montreal had a 5-2 win that felt like a statement: the Maple Leafs can be talented, but talent alone doesn’t win games against a team that’s locked in and willing to play hard.

Quick Hit One: Josh Anderson Scores Twice for the Habs

Josh Anderson was first to make the night his own. Two goals, including the empty-netter that sealed things, and he didn’t waste a single opportunity. Both of his shots found twine, and while he’s not a guy you’re counting on for consistent fantasy numbers—he’s still a bottom-six grinder—he showed exactly why depth scoring matters. When the big names aren’t producing, guys like Anderson step up and make the difference between a tight loss and a solid win.

Quick Hit Two: Blueliner Noah Dobson Scores Twice for the Habs

Then there was Noah Dobson, who proved the blue line can be dangerous when given the chance. Two goals himself, one late in the first and another early in the second, and suddenly the Canadiens weren’t just defending—they were threatening. Dobson’s got 15 points in 21 games now, and after a 39-point campaign with the Islanders last year, it’s clear he’s rediscovering his scoring touch in Montreal. For a team looking to generate offense from every angle, that’s exactly the kind of contribution you need.

Quick Hit Three: Florian Xhekaj Makes an Impact in His NHL Debut

And let’s not forget Florian Xhekaj, making his NHL debut and immediately letting people know he wasn’t there to warm the bench. One assist, two shots, three hits, and even a scrap with Dakota Mermis—all in under 10 minutes. The kid brought the sandpaper his brother was known for and helped set up Anderson’s second-period goal. He’s going to have to compete for minutes with Joshua Roy, but Saturday proved he belongs in the conversation.

The Bottom Line for the Canadiens

On this night, the Habs turned in a keeper of a game. Anderson scored two goals, showing opportunistic and clutch finishing. He’s now a bottom-six player, but he makes top-six moments count. Dobson showed himself to be a blue-line sniper, scoring two goals and getting back in scoring form, giving Montreal options from the point. Finally, Xhekaj’s NHL debut was noteworthy. He put up an assist, showed a physical presence, and had an instant impact in limited ice time.

Montreal’s win wasn’t about a single flash player—it was about depth, timing, and playing with purpose. The Maple Leafs have skill, but Montreal executed and got a few unexpected contributors. The Canadiens, plain and simple, took Toronto to the woodshed.