Last Night in Canadian Hockey – Dec. 3: Sens, Habs, Leafs, Oilers, Canucks & Flames
Canadian hockey fans got a full night of action Tuesday, with a mix of close games, standout individual performances, and the kind of momentum swings that keep you on the edge of your seat. Ottawa showed a disciplined edge over Montreal, Toronto finally looked in sync in Florida, and Edmonton ran into a hot goalie in Minnesota. Calgary struggled to find any rhythm in Nashville, and Vancouver gave the Avalanche a fight early before depth and skill took over. For those wanting the full story on each game, check the links beneath each summary.
It was a night that highlighted the highs and lows of a season that’s still finding its rhythm. Some teams left the ice smiling, some frustrated, and a few probably muttering about “what could have been.” But across the board, there were lessons, sparks of skill, and performances worth noting.
Senators 5, Canadiens 2
Montreal got on the board first, but Ottawa responded almost instantly and never really let the Canadiens settle. From the first shift after Juraj Slafkovsky’s power-play goal, Ottawa dictated the pace. They were winning puck battles, winning their one-on-ones, and using that edge to generate scoring chances. By the time Brady Tkachuk added a fifth, it was clear Ottawa had the extra gear.
Montreal leaned on Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, who did their best to keep things close, but Ottawa’s depth—Jake Sanderson, Artem Zub, Fabian Zetterlund, Drake Batherson—kept the pressure consistent. When momentum shifted, Ottawa stayed steady, while Montreal seemed to drift. For the Senators, it was a solid road win that showed the blueprint for how they want to play.
Senators 5, Canadiens 2: Ottawa Simply Won More Battles
Maple Leafs 4, Panthers 1
The Maple Leafs came out skating hard, and it showed. Troy Stecher got the first goal, snapping a stretch of 13 games without scoring, and Dakota Joshua added a second. Florida’s short-handed goal by Sam Reinhart made things tense briefly, but Toronto kept its foot on the gas and didn’t let the Panthers back in. Joseph Woll was calm and solid, and every line contributed.
Scott Laughton and the middle-six chipped in to extend the lead, showing that when the Leafs’ top lines are held in check, their depth can tilt the ice. From the quick forecheck to crisp transitions, this was a night where Toronto looked like a team fully executing the plan.
Maple Leafs 4, Panthers 1: Toronto Finally Clean & Controlled
Wild 1, Oilers 0
Edmonton did almost everything right against Minnesota, but Jesper Wallstedt was untouchable. Jonas Brodin’s early goal ended up being all the Wild needed. The Oilers generated chances, pressed hard, and controlled much of the play—but finishing wouldn’t go their way. Stuart Skinner kept Edmonton in the game with solid saves, but Wallstedt stole the show.
It was frustrating, sure, but the effort was there. The top line looked dangerous, the depth pushed back, and the team stayed structured. Sometimes a goalie gets hot, and this was one of those nights. Edmonton can take confidence from how they played and know that the chances will turn into goals eventually.
Wild 1, Oilers 0: Edmonton Close, Frustrated & Shut Out
Predators 5, Flames 1
Calgary never really got going in Nashville. The Predators set a fast pace, forced the Flames to react rather than act, and built an early lead. Steven Stamkos reaching 1,200 points was a highlight for Nashville, but it also underscored how Calgary couldn’t match the tempo or timing.
Morgan Frost’s power-play goal gave Calgary a glimmer of life, but it wasn’t enough. Calgary’s defense and puck support weren’t quite there, leaving the goalie exposed and the scoreboard tilted toward Nashville. For the Flames, the takeaway is clear: match the speed and stay connected, or nights like this will keep happening.
Predators 5, Flames 1: Calgary Has No Jump, No Answers
Avalanche 3, Canucks 1
Linus Karlsson gave Vancouver an early lead with a clever move, and for a little while it seemed like the Canucks might hang with Colorado. But Nathan MacKinnon tied it before the first period ended, and from there the Avalanche’s skill and speed set the tone. Vancouver chased the puck, limited mistakes, and fought hard, but the scoreboard told the story.
The Canucks created chances early—breakaways and a 2-on-1—but couldn’t finish. Colorado punished minor defensive lapses, and while Vancouver limited the damage to three goals, it still came up short. Still, there were flashes of effort and skill that can be built on for the next game.