Rangers 5, Canadiens 4 (OT): Early Jump, Late Lesson
The Montreal Canadiens did almost everything right early and still walked out of Madison Square Garden with only a single point. Montreal jumped out to a 3–0 first-period lead, built on speed, confidence, and quick strikes, but eventually fell 5–4 in overtime to the New York Rangers on Saturday night.
It was one of those games that felt under control — until it wasn’t. The Canadiens scored on their first two shots, dictated the pace through much of the opening frame, and looked comfortable playing with a lead. But the Rangers kept pushing, and when Montreal’s urgency dipped, the game slowly tilted.
By the time J.T. Miller ended it on a power play at 2:56 of overtime, the Canadiens were left staring at a familiar question: how do you protect momentum once you’ve earned it?
Key Point One: The Canadiens Had a Start They Need to Bottle
Zachary Bolduc, Arber Xhekaj, and Jake Evans gave Montreal a 3–0 lead in the first period, scoring on their first three shots. The Canadiens were quick, decisive, and aggressive — exactly how Martin St. Louis wants this team to play. The problem wasn’t how they started; it was how long they could sustain it.
Key Point Two: Montreal’s Urgency Comes and Goes
After Josh Anderson restored a two-goal lead early in the second period, the Canadiens didn’t press — they sat back. Will Cuylle and J.T. Miller scored 36 seconds apart to erase that cushion, and from there the game felt like it was slipping downhill. St. Louis was clear afterward: consistency and urgency are still works in progress.
Key Point Three: The Canadiens’ Young Pieces Keep Showing Up
Lane Hutson quietly recorded two assists and continued to build a special season, becoming one of the fastest defensemen in league history to reach 20 multi-assist games. Jacob Fowler, in just his second NHL start, allowed five goals but made several steady saves and didn’t look overwhelmed by the moment. These are nights that hurt — but they teach.
Final Thoughts from the Canadiens’ Perspective
This loss stings because the Canadiens earned the lead and still let it go. A 3–0 start has to mean something in this league, especially on the road. The Rangers didn’t take the game early — Montreal gave them space back into it.
At the same time, this wasn’t empty hockey. The Canadiens showed speed, structure, and skill in stretches that matter. The challenge now is to sustain that urgency beyond the first 20 minutes.
One point is better than none. But the lesson is clear: good starts only matter if you finish them.