Last Night in Canadian Hockey – Dec. 12: Sens, Leafs, Habs, Jets, Oilers & Canucks
Canadian teams were busy on the ice last night, with wins, losses, and performances that gave fans plenty to chew on. Ottawa and Montreal bounced back in style, the Edmonton Oilers reminded everyone why their top line is so dangerous, while the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets struggled to close out games. Vancouver, returning Thatcher Demko in goal, showed flashes but fell short.
If you want a deeper dive into each performance, full game reviews are linked below each summary. From rookies stealing the spotlight to veteran stars asserting themselves, the night highlighted both promise and work still to be done.
Senators 6, Blue Jackets 3
Some nights, you can feel the story settle in early. The Ottawa Senators’ 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets was one of those nights. Four first-period goals set the tone, Tim Stutzle found his scoring touch, and the Senators finally snapped a three-game losing streak that had started to tighten around their confidence. Perron, Batherson, and Cozens led the charge, creating looks and finding pucks that had eluded them in recent games.
Even as Columbus pushed back in the second period, Ottawa bent but didn’t break. Stutzle’s second goal late in the frame gave the Senators breathing room, and Linus Ullmark’s steady netminding kept everything manageable. Claude Giroux and Michael Amadio added veteran calm, helping Ottawa see the game through.
Senators 6, Blue Jackets 3: Fast Start Changes Everything
Maple Leafs 2, Sharks 3 (OT)
The Toronto Maple Leafs controlled much of the game but allowed a late drift into chaos. After building a 2–0 lead, Toronto looked steady through 40 minutes, with Dennis Hildeby making key saves and William Nylander providing two crisp assists. But a late collapse in the third and Alexander Wennberg’s OT winner left the Maple Leafs with frustration instead of a win.
The power play finally showed some life, and Hildeby held the fort admirably. Yet, the game reinforced a recurring problem: can Toronto close when it matters most? With Connor McDavid and the Oilers coming next, they’ll need a full 60-minute commitment.
Sharks 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT): A Step Forward, a Stumble Back
Canadiens 4, Penguins 2
Montreal rebounded from a tough loss to Tampa Bay with a 4–2 win in Pittsburgh, led by rookie goalie Jacob Fowler’s 36-save debut. Fowler’s calm presence allowed Montreal to execute quick strikes, including goals from Alexandre Texier and Brendan Gallagher. Juraj Slafkovsky and Lane Hutson each added two assists, making the Canadiens’ attack feel coordinated and dangerous.
The team displayed poise in a hostile arena, with Fowler proving he could handle the pressure of facing Sidney Crosby. Montreal now has a strong boost in confidence heading into upcoming matchups, proving the young core can carry its weight.
Canadiens 4, Penguins 2: Rookie Steals the Spotlight
Jets 3, Bruins 6
Winnipeg fought early, with Morgan Barron opening the scoring and Alex Iafallo and Gabriel Vilardi adding goals. Yet Boston’s rapid responses, combined with penalties and defensive breakdowns, kept the Jets chasing throughout. David Pastrnak’s two-goal, two-assist night underscored the problems.
The penalty kill remains a glaring issue, and inconsistent defensive coverage allowed the Bruins to control the pace. Confidence remains for players like Vilardi and Kyle Connor, but Winnipeg needs steadier, 60-minute efforts.
Bruins 6, Jets 3: Another Slip in a Sloppy Stretch
Oilers 4, Red Wings 1
Edmonton’s 4–1 win was dominated by Zach Hyman’s hat trick and Connor McDavid’s four-assist display. The Oilers set the pace early, never letting Detroit fully get organized. Stuart Skinner made 27 routine saves, letting the stars shine.
McDavid’s control, Hyman’s motor, and a steady defensive effort highlighted a homestand that built confidence. The Oilers continue to climb and now take that momentum on the road.
Oilers 4, Red Wings 1: Hyman Steals the Stage
Sabres 3, Canucks 2
Vancouver returned Thatcher Demko after 12 games, but a 3–2 loss to Buffalo highlighted a team still finding rhythm. Kiefer Sherwood’s power-play goal snapped a prolonged slump, and Max Sasson added a bright moment with a breakaway, but defensive lapses and Zach Benson’s decisive goal swung the game back to the Sabres.
Demko looked rusty but not responsible for the loss, and flashes of life on the power play offered hope. The road trip starts Sunday, giving Vancouver a chance to reset and find better consistency.