The Montreal Canadiens got back in the win column on Wednesday night, snapping a two-game skid with a hard-fought 3-2 shootout victory over the visiting Winnipeg Jets at the Bell Centre. The hero of the night was sniper Cole Caufield, who coolly netted the game-deciding goal in the shootout.
Kapanen Strikes in Tribute Night Victory
The game held extra significance as the Canadiens honoured longtime defenceman Andrei Markov in a pre-game ceremony. The team seemed inspired, battling a tough Central Division opponent throughout. The scoring opened in the second period when rookie Oliver Kapanen beat Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Kapanen's goal was assisted by Mike Matheson, and the duo celebrated the milestone moment as teddy bears rained onto the ice for the team's annual holiday donation drive.
The Jets responded with pressure, eventually tying the game and forcing overtime. A back-and-forth extra frame solved nothing, setting the stage for a nail-biting shootout. After both teams exchanged chances, it was Caufield who stepped up and delivered the final blow, securing the extra point for Montreal.
Halting the Slide and Building Momentum
This victory was crucial for the Canadiens to stop their brief losing streak and gain momentum as they navigate a challenging part of their schedule. Beating a contender like Winnipeg, who entered the game with a strong record, provides a significant confidence boost. The win showcased the team's resilience, as they managed to close out a tight game despite the Jets' persistent pushback.
The two points earned on December 3, 2025, are valuable in the tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff race. The Canadiens' ability to win close, low-scoring games against elite opponents will be a key factor if they aim to secure a postseason berth. The players can now build on this emotional win, which combined a tribute to a franchise legend with a critical performance on the ice.
