In the heart-pounding drama of an NHL showdown, the Montreal Canadiens staged an epic comeback from a two-goal hole to snatch a crucial point against the Columbus Blue Jackets—proving once again that grit and determination can turn the tide in hockey! If you're a fan of underdog stories or just love watching skilled plays unfold, this recap will keep you on the edge of your seat. We'll break down every period, highlight key moments, and explore what it all means for Montreal's season. But here's where it gets interesting: With young talent shining bright, is this the dawn of a new era for the Habs, or are they just delaying the inevitable? Stick around to find out—and prepare for some controversial takes on their strategy.
Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
- Jakub Dobeš gets jolted awake by the starting cannon, signaling the start of action in Columbus.
First Period
- A fresh combination hits the ice early, featuring Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Zachary Bolduc. It's going to be fascinating to observe how Bolduc adapts to their fast-paced, dynamic style—think of it as throwing a rookie into the deep end of a pro pool to see if he can swim!
- That shift also created a new second line with Juraj Slafkovský alongside two other young prospects, and they dominated possession against Kirill Marchenko's unit in the offensive zone—a promising start for these newcomers.
- Suzuki delivers a crisp pass to Bolduc, who charges toward the net before backhanding it out. If the goal was to increase shots on goal by adding Bolduc, this missed chance was a golden opportunity squandered.
- Montreal is executing solidly again, yet they've managed zero shots in the first five minutes—a frustrating display of precision without payoff.
- The team's inaugural shot finally arrives via a determined net drive by Slafkovský, who capitalized on a slick feed from Ivan Demidov. It was impressive hustle from Slafkovský, shaking off a brutal check from Ivan Provorov to outrace the defender and set up the play.
- Zach Werenski skates freely from the blue line straight into the slot because Noah Dobson hesitates on defense, and he rifles a shot off the post into the net.
- Columbus now rides this goal's wave of momentum.
- After eleven minutes, Montreal has just one shot—clearly, they're struggling to find their rhythm early.
- The next attempt is a point shot by Arber Xhekaj that rebounds out, but Joshua Roy can't corral the bouncing puck.
- It seems the linesmen have ejected a player from almost every faceoff tonight, sometimes both on the same draw—talk about keeping things spicy!
- Mike Matheson's blast generates another rebound, and Jared Davidson follows up with more force, though no goal results. Still, this doubled Montreal's shot count from the sequence.
- I'm past complaining about low-percentage point shots; even if they have slim odds, they're better than standing still on offense.
- Jake Evans fires a wide-open shot from 15 feet, only for Greaves to stop it with a stellar blocker save.
- Montreal wraps up the period with eight shots after a strong push. Trailing by just one goal isn't insurmountable—they've overcome worse deficits before.
Second Period
- Clever stickhandling bamboozles Dobson during a pass, denying Columbus an early scoring chance.
- Hutson stands firm as Zach Aston-Reese tries to bulldoze past him toward the net—a solid defensive stand.
- This revamped second line shines through Slafkovský's excellent effort to skate the puck across the zone's top, disrupting the defense. Oliver Kapanen scores as the puck ricochets to Demidov and then Matheson, who feeds it to the slot.
Mike Matheson jumps into the action, setting up Oliver Kapanen for his seventh goal of the season—game tied at 1-1 in Columbus!
— Scott Matla (@scottmatla.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:275x6nkg64itie5ovunybpsr?refsrc=embed) ) November 17, 2025 at 9:47 PM (https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:275x6nkg64itie5ovunybpsr/post/3m5umm7uzdk2z?refsrc=embed)
- Joe Veleno attempts to build on the momentum with a zone entry and a quick shot, but he misjudges the puck's position badly.
- Werenski levels Suzuki at center ice, sparking a verbal exchange between them.
- Montreal appears to score again, but the puck was shot from the neutral zone with an offside player, deflecting off the linesman into the net—no goal counts.
- Roy loses a key battle to Adam Fantilli in front of the net, allowing Fantilli to restore Columbus's lead.
- They'll soon have a chance to widen that lead to two, as Jared Davidson is penalized for hooking (the hand-tapping kind) right after.
- Suzuki joins him in the box for a similar slashing call, giving Columbus 21 seconds of five-on-three power play.
- Davidson returns, but Marchenko spots Dmitri Voronkov's stick before Suzuki's penalty expires, pushing the score to 3-1.
- Once free, Suzuki delivers a nice backhand pass to Bolduc across the ice, yet Bolduc's shot delay allows Greaves to recover.
- Montreal seems demoralized down by two goals. Early in the season, this didn't bother them, but now opponents are seasoned at protecting leads.
- On the bright side, no power plays tonight mean no complaints about special teams woes.
Third Period
- The Blue Jackets kick off the third with intense aggression to protect their edge—a move you have to admire for its commitment.
- Suzuki scoops up a loose puck, spins, and sends a pass to Caufield, but it's just inches out of reach for Montreal's star sniper.
- Evans is thwarted again on a dangerous chance near the net.
- He chooses to pass instead of shooting, even though he's alone 15 feet out—yet another self-inflicted miscue.
- The period flows with minimal interruptions, exactly as Columbus prefers to keep the pace.
- Emerging from the TV timeout energized, Josh Anderson caps a strong shift by burying a rebound.
Josh Anderson pounces on the loose puck and slides it past Greaves—Habs trail 3-2!
— Scott Matla (@scottmatla.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:275x6nkg64itie5ovunybpsr?refsrc=embed) ) November 17, 2025 at 10:49 PM (https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:275x6nkg64itie5ovunybpsr/post/3m5uq455l4c2l?refsrc=embed)
- Greaves has been leaving rebounds vulnerable in front. Montreal simply needs to pressure him more aggressively.
- Gallagher executes a smart move around his defender to set up Anderson again. This might be his most impactful play tonight, nearly forcing a tie.
- Slafkovský fits seamlessly with the younger players, using his skill to create openings for them—a strategy that's paying off.
- Late in the game, he rejoins Suzuki and Caufield's line, almost assisting a tying goal for Suzuki.
- Suzuki finds himself in the slot but can't release the shot quickly enough.
- The puck reaches Hutson at the point, and Slafkovský screens in front, deflecting it past Greaves for the equalizer. He earned it after his standout performance.
A touch of Lane Hutson magic orchestrates the game-tying goal deep in the third—score tied 3-3 in Columbus!
— Scott Matla (@scottmatla.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:275x6nkg64itie5ovunybpsr?refsrc=embed) ) November 17, 2025 at 11:07 PM (https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:275x6nkg64itie5ovunybpsr/post/3m5ur3zc62s2l?refsrc=embed)
- Caufield makes one final attempt to force regulation victory, but overtime beckons. Still, that point is a major boost for morale.
Overtime
- Montreal controls most of the puck in this three-on-three format, carefully setting up without allowing odd-man rushes.
- Suzuki fumbles the puck frequently tonight, likely costing at least three overtime opportunities.
- Greaves denies Demidov on a one-timer after a turnover.
- The Canadiens battled valiantly for that point, but it's shootout time.
Shootout
- Kent Johnson's slick dekes prove too much for Dobeš to handle, giving Columbus an early edge.
- Suzuki's dekes are equally dazzling, but he directs the puck off the post.
- Fantilli misses on two tries, effectively capping Columbus's scoring.
- Caufield relies on quick dekes to slip the puck by Greaves and even the score.
- It's been a night of deliberate moves; Dobeš blocks about 70% of Marchenko's shot, yet it dribbles in.
- Demidov is stopped, ending the game.
- A solid effort earns Montreal a point, though their winless streak now stands at seven games.
EOTP 3 Stars
3) A timely reminder for a team that's just one point behind first place with two games in hand—every point counts!
2) It really can be that straightforward at times.
3) A goal and a hard-fought secondary assist.
And this is the part most people miss: Is Montreal's reliance on youth a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? With their young lineup showing flashes of brilliance but also moments of inexperience, some might argue it's time to inject more veteran presence. What do you think—will this strategy pay off long-term, or should coach Martin St. Louis shuffle the deck? Do you agree with how the Canadiens handled their power plays (or lack thereof)? And let's get controversial: Was that offside goal in the second period a sign of bad luck, or sloppy execution? Share your hot takes in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you're cheering for the comeback kings or skeptical about their playoff hopes!
