Professor’s Press Box: Last Night in Canadian Hockey – Nov.

Canadian hockey fans got a little bit of everything last night—heartbreak, grit, and flashes of brilliance from coast to coast. The Maple Leafs, Oilers, Canadiens, Canucks, and Senators all left their marks, and while some results disappointed, the stories behind the scores are worth lingering on. For those who want a closer look at the full games, I’ve included links below each summary so you can watch the action unfold for yourself.

From Toronto to Vancouver, the games offered reminders of why we love the sport. There were unpredictable twists, near misses, and moments that made your pulse spike. It wasn’t all wins and losses; it was about effort, resilience, and glimpses of potential. The kind of nights that test patience but keep fans invested. If you want to dive deeper into each contest, follow the links below each team’s recap to see a fuller review of each game’s action.

Game One: Maple Leafs 2, Blue Jackets 3 (OT)

Toronto did nearly everything right, controlling the game for stretches and showing chemistry, particularly between John Tavares and Easton Cowan. Joseph Woll looked confident in goal, and Dakota Mermis scored his first Maple Leafs goal. But Adam Fantilli had himself a night, and overtime went the way of the visitors. The Leafs showed structure and effort, but sometimes the puck doesn’t bounce your way.

Blue Jackets 3, Maple Leafs 2 (OT): Game of Effort, But Wrong Ending

Game Two: Lightning 2, Oilers 1 (OT)

Edmonton came out flying, with Trent Frederic ending a long scoring drought less than two minutes in. Calvin Pickard was phenomenal, keeping the Oilers ahead until the final minutes when Nick Paul tied it, and Jake Guentzel finished it in overtime. The Oilers showed grit and defensive discipline, but Tampa Bay’s persistence proved decisive. Pickard’s effort and the team’s early play were bright spots.

Lightning 2, Oilers 1 (OT): Pickard Heroic, Just Not Enough

Game Three: Capitals 8, Canadiens 4

Montreal fought hard against Alex Ovechkin and Washington, clawing back multiple times but ultimately falling short. Brendan Gallagher and Mike Matheson scored on the power play, and Nick Suzuki showed flashes of skill, but defensive breakdowns and Ovechkin’s finishing power left the Canadiens scrambling. There’s effort here, but the team is still finding its footing.

Capitals 8, Canadiens 4: Montreal Searching for Its Game

Game Four: Stars 4, Canucks 2

Vancouver pushed hard and dominated stretches, particularly the second period, but couldn’t get past a stubborn Jake Oettinger. Elias Pettersson led the charge, and the team showed moments of structure and intensity. Yet, despite the push, the scoreboard favored Dallas. The Canucks’ performance was encouraging, if not rewarded.

Stars 4, Canucks 2: Vancouver Pushes, But Dallas Finishes

Game Five: Senators 3, Ducks 2

Ottawa found a way to grind out a road win in Anaheim, with Drake Batherson tipping home the late winner. Linus Ullmark held the fort. Stephen Halliday impressed in his NHL debut. And the team stayed composed when Anaheim grabbed momentum. In the end, it was a classic road-game battle, showing patience and poise.

Senators 3, Ducks 2: Stubborn Sens Start Long Road Right

A Final Note About Canadian Teams

Across the board, Canadian squads showed flashes of brilliance and plenty of effort. There were late goals, tough losses, and gritty wins. If the common thread of the night was anything, it was resilience. These teams are in the thick of it, battling not just for points but for identity, cohesion, and confidence. For fans, there’s plenty to study, cheer, and hope for as the season unfolds.