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Caufield, Dach Lead Canadiens to Thrilling Shootout Victory Over Avalanche
In a dramatic showdown at Ball Arena, the Montreal Canadiens emerged victorious over the Colorado Avalanche, clinching a 2-1 win in a shootout on Saturday night. The win marks Montreal's seventh victory in their last ten games, while Colorado's impressive six-game win streak came to a heartbreaking end.
The game began with a solid defensive effort from both teams, but it was Mikko Rantanen who broke the deadlock for Colorado, scoring his 100th career power-play goal early in the first period. The Avalanche star's goal came at 9:01, as a pass from Nathan MacKinnon deflected off Rantanen's skate, finding its way into the back of the net. It was a historic milestone for the Finnish winger, who has been on fire, extending his point streak to 13 games.
Montreal wasn't deterred, as they battled back with grit and determination. The Canadiens kept their composure and continued to stick to their game plan. Nick Suzuki reflected on the team’s mindset, noting how the players stuck to their defensive approach, especially against a high-powered offense like Colorado's. “It was a shaky start, but we didn't try to change anything,” Suzuki said. “We played a mature game, and it paid off.”
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The tying goal came in the third period when Cole Caufield, riding a three-game goal streak, made an impressive finish on a 2-on-1 break. As Suzuki carried the puck, Caufield fired a wrist shot past Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, pulling Montreal even at 1-1 with just under seven minutes left in regulation.
With the game tied, both teams remained scoreless through overtime, setting the stage for a tense shootout. In the shootout, Caufield and Kirby Dach stepped up for Montreal, each successfully beating Blackwood, while goaltender Jakub Dobes held his ground, securing his first career shootout win. Dobes, who had 22 saves in regulation, made an unforgettable stop during overtime, denying Artturi Lehkonen on a breakaway after he exited the penalty box. “It was a huge moment,” Dobes reflected, “but just taking a point from them was massive.”
Despite a strong defensive showing from both sides, Colorado struggled to generate much offensive pressure. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar commented on the game’s subdued offensive pace, acknowledging that while his team defended well, they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. “We didn’t do a good enough job creating offense ourselves,” he admitted.
The Canadiens’ victory was a testament to their resilience and commitment to the team game. The win also marked a significant achievement for Dobes, who became the fifth rookie goaltender in the past 40 years to win each of his first two NHL starts with Montreal. On the other hand, Colorado will look to regroup after their six-game win streak was halted, with the focus now shifting toward their next challenge.
The victory in Denver was not just another win; it was a display of what the Canadiens can accomplish when they remain focused and committed to the defensive side of the game, even against a team as formidable as the Avalanche.
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