Last Night in Canadian Hockey – Dec. 7: Habs, Leafs, Oilers, Jets, Canucks, Sens & Flames
It was a busy Saturday for Canada’s NHL teams, with a mix of tight wins, breakout performances, and dominant displays across the board. From Montreal’s defensive masterclass to Vancouver’s rookies stepping up in the absence of a star, Canadian fans had plenty to chew on. Toronto’s shootout loss left questions about their finishing touch, while Edmonton reminded everyone why Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are among the league’s elite.
Even in defeat, teams like Ottawa and Winnipeg showed flashes of promise, while Calgary and Vancouver grabbed wins that could help reset their respective seasons. Across six arenas, the storylines were clear: young players are emerging, goalies are stepping up, and every Canadian team is still chasing consistency. If you want the full story on each game, hit the links below each summary.
Montreal Canadiens 2, Toronto Maple Leafs 1 (SO)
The Maple Leafs came close but couldn’t finish, falling 2-1 in a shootout to Montreal. Toronto tied late with a Scott Laughton short-handed goal, but Montreal’s defensive structure and Jakub Dobes’ 22 saves made the difference. Maple Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby was solid with 33 saves, but the Habs controlled the second period 14-3 in shots and space.
Montreal’s commitment to defense was the headline, while Toronto’s power play remained tentative (0-for-3). Scott Laughton continues to make a mark as a leader on the ice.
Canadiens 2, Maple Leafs 1 (SO): Defensive Discipline Steals One
Edmonton Oilers 6, Winnipeg Jets 2
Edmonton jumped on Winnipeg early with four goals in the first period and never looked back. Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard each had a goal and an assist, while Connor McDavid added two helpers. Stuart Skinner looked calm and steady in goal, benefiting from a structured Oilers defense that allowed him to settle in.
The Jets were slow out of the gate, and Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel admitted the team wasn’t ready mentally or physically. Winnipeg had some push, with Gabriel Vilardi and Cole Koepke scoring, but the early damage proved insurmountable.
Oilers 6, Jets 2: McDavid Leads Winnipeg Beatdown
Vancouver Canucks 4, Minnesota Wild 2
Aatu Raty starred with two goals and an assist in Vancouver’s first win in five games. Tom Willander scored his first NHL goal, and young defenseman Elias Pettersson also contributed, helping the Canucks finish off a 4-2 win at Rogers Arena. Nikita Tolopilo stopped 28 shots, providing calm in goal as Vancouver broke its skid.
The Canucks showed smart puck movement and solid net-front presence. Raty’s breakout night gave Vancouver energy, and the mix of rookies and vets was a promising sign.
Canucks 4, Wild 2: Raty Leads the Way
St. Louis Blues 2, Ottawa Senators 1
The Senators dominated early but fell 2-1 at home. Ottawa outshot St. Louis 15-2 in the first but couldn’t finish, while Joel Hofer made 41 saves, including a remarkable stop on Tim Stutzle in the final seconds. Fabian Zetterlund scored Ottawa’s lone goal late in the third.
Special teams hurt the Senators, who went 1-for-7 on the power play. Despite the loss, Ottawa showed pace and shot volume, highlighting areas for growth.
Blues 2, Senators 1: Hofer Stands Tall
Calgary Flames 2, Utah Mammoth 0
Dustin Wolf’s second shutout of the season highlighted Calgary’s 2-0 win at home. Yegor Sharangovich scored 16 seconds in, the Flames’ fastest opener since last April, and Connor Zary sealed the victory with an empty-net goal. Calgary’s penalty kill continued its streak at 17-for-17.
Wolf’s poise and the team’s disciplined defense set the tone, while Sharangovich and the Flames’ structure kept Utah off balance. It was a win built on work and focus, not flash.