Professors' Press Box Last Night in Canadian Hockey - Nov.

Canadian hockey delivered a mixed bag of grit, fatigue, and near-misses. Some teams showed sparks, some looked weary, and a few moments reminded us that effort often outlasts the scoreboard. From Edmonton to Vancouver to Montreal, there was plenty to chew on—lessons about character, rhythm, and what it really takes to keep a game alive.

For the full game reviews, follow the links provided.

Game One: Sabres 5, Oilers 1: Oilers Spend a Long, Cold Night in Buffalo

The Oilers came into Buffalo looking like they’d found some swagger again—three wins in four, their top guns humming. For ten minutes, it worked. They skated fast, touched the puck with purpose. Then came Noah Östlund’s first-period power-play goal, spinning one past Stuart Skinner, and the whole bench seemed nudged off balance. From there, the Oilers chased the game. Buffalo piled on goals one after the other, and Edmonton never found a rhythm again. It wasn’t a lack of care, just one of those nights where confidence leaks quietly.

Edmonton came into Buffalo with swagger, but it didn’t take long for the rhythm to slip. Jack Roslovic kept pushing, skating into open ice and finishing chances even as the middle six lagged, letting Buffalo dictate play. Stuart Skinner did his best, but clean looks kept coming, and even a hot goalie can’t cover for a team chasing the game. Thin margins are everything here—when connected, the Oilers are dangerous; when slightly off, they’re scrambling. The key now: treat this as a stumble, not the start of a slide.

Sabres 5, Oilers 1: Oilers Spend a Long Night in Buffalo

Game Two: Panthers 8, Canucks 5: Wild Game Vancouver Can Blame on the Schedule?

The Canucks came off a big win in Tampa and carried that energy into Sunrise, jumping out to a 2-0 lead. For a moment, it looked like they might steal a win on tired legs. Then, Florida, relentless, turned the tide, scoring five straight. Vancouver clawed back in the third, Pettersson and Hronek tying it at 5-5, but the Panthers had too much left in the tank. This wasn’t a collapse; it was fatigue meeting a team that could punish the slightest lapse.

Vancouver started strong, but Florida’s wave proved too much on tired legs. Pettersson carried the offense with two goals, Hughes kept the ice calm with three assists, and Patera battled 33 shots like a warrior. This one felt like a schedule loss, not a team loss—the third-period push showed Vancouver’s character is still intact.

Panthers 8, Canucks 5: A Wild One, and Maybe a Schedule Loss

Game Three: Blue Jackets 4, Canadiens 3 (SO): The Canadiens Deserved Better

Montreal started second-best but fought back with energy and purpose. Down 3-1, they didn’t fold—they pressed, forced turnovers, and tied it late. Josh Anderson and Lane Hutson provided sparks; the team looked alive in overtime. But the shootout went the other way. It stung in the column, but Montreal can take solace in effort, poise, and the fact that chasing a game this way is no small task for a young team.

Montreal battled hard in Columbus, but luck wasn’t on their side. Kirill Marchenko stayed red-hot, Hutson drove offense like a veteran from the back end, and Jet Greaves made 29 calm, composed saves. Four straight losses sting, but energy and effort matter more—Montreal earned a point and some lessons to carry forward.

Columbus 4, Montreal 3 (SO): A Night the Canadiens Deserved Better

Closing Thoughts on Last Night’s Canadian Games

Last night in Canadian hockey was a reminder that effort, fatigue, and timing often tell a story beyond the scoreboard. Edmonton chased, Vancouver battled a back-to-back, and Montreal pressed in vain. Across the three games, what stands out is character: players pushing, teams clawing, and moments where the game almost slips through your fingers. Points matter, but these nights remind us why we watch—the drama, the effort, and the subtle victories that don’t always show in the final score.