The Montreal Canadiens continued their hot streak, securing a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames thanks to Mike Matheson’s decisive goal just 59 seconds into the extra frame. Rookie sensations Jakub Dobes in net and Ivan Demidov on the assist highlighted Montreal’s burgeoning young talent, pushing the Flames deeper into an early-season slump.
CALGARY, AB – The Montreal Canadiens secured a dramatic 2-1 overtime win against the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Wednesday night, continuing their impressive start to the season. The victory marks the Canadiens’ second consecutive win and their sixth in the last seven games, signaling a strong performance from the young squad.
Matheson’s One-Timer Seals the Deal for Montreal
Just 59 seconds into overtime, veteran defenseman Mike Matheson capitalized on a perfectly timed pass from rookie forward Ivan Demidov, unleashing a powerful one-timer past Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf. This clutch goal not only secured the two points for Montreal but also underscored the Canadiens’ ability to close out tight games.
Demidov’s assist marks a significant moment for the young forward, showcasing his playmaking vision and quick adaptation to the NHL pace. His chemistry with Matheson in the decisive moment speaks volumes about the team’s depth and promising future, a topic frequently discussed among fans in various community forums.
Dobes’ Dominance Between the Pipes
The night belonged as much to goaltender Jakub Dobes as it did to Matheson. The rookie netminder was a brick wall for the Canadiens, turning aside 36 shots and maintaining his undefeated record, now standing at an impressive 4-0. His stellar performance was crucial in weathering a persistent Flames attack, particularly in the third period.
Dobes’ ability to make timely saves under pressure has been a defining characteristic of his early season, providing a stable foundation for Montreal’s defensive efforts. His contributions have been vital in the team’s strong start, giving the Canadiens confidence in their young goaltending prospect. Find more official Canadiens game recaps and stats at the Montreal Canadiens official site.
Game Flow: Power Play Opener and a Late Equalizer
Montreal opened the scoring on the power play at 17:09 of the first period. Zack Bolduc netted his fourth goal of the season, taking a pass in the slot from captain Nick Suzuki and snapping it past Wolf. Suzuki’s assist extended his impressive point streak to seven games, a testament to his consistent offensive production with one goal and 10 assists over that span.
The Flames, however, managed to tie the game in the third period. At 5:56, Adam Klapka seized an opportunity, stealing the puck from Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson in the offensive zone and firing a shot past Dobes. This unassisted goal momentarily shifted momentum, setting the stage for the dramatic overtime finish.
Team Trajectories: Habs on the Rise, Flames in a Funk
The Canadiens’ victory improves their season record to 6-2-0, with a solid 3-1-0 away record to kick off their four-game road trip. This strong showing has ignited discussions among fans about the team’s potential to defy pre-season expectations and make a push for a playoff spot. The blend of veteran leadership and dynamic young talent is clearly paying dividends for Montreal.
Conversely, the Calgary Flames continue to struggle, falling to a disappointing 1-6-1 record. Their only win came in the season opener, and they have since gone 0-6-1 in their last seven contests. The early season woes for Calgary are a significant concern for their fanbase and management, highlighting an urgent need for improvement as detailed in various sports news outlets, including Associated Press NHL coverage.
Looking Ahead: Back-to-Back Challenges
The Canadiens will not have long to savor their victory as they head north to Edmonton for the second half of a back-to-back, facing the Oilers on Thursday night. This matchup presents another stern test for Montreal’s momentum and Dobes’ endurance.
Meanwhile, the Flames will seek to rebound from their frustrating loss as they travel to Winnipeg to face the Jets on Friday night. Both teams face crucial upcoming games that could further define their early-season narratives.
Key Game Statistics:
- Final Score: Montreal Canadiens (2) vs. Calgary Flames (1) – OT
- Canadiens Goals:
- P1 17:09 – Zack Bolduc (Suzuki, Hutson) – PPG
- OT 01:00 – Mike Matheson (Demidov, Newhook)
- Flames Goal:
- P3 05:56 – Adam Klapka (unassisted)
- Goalies:
- Montreal: Jakub Dobes (36 saves, W)
- Calgary: Dustin Wolf (26 saves, L)
