Marc Dumont
The Montreal Canadiens faced the Nashville Predators on Saturday night, aiming to extend their winning streak to four games.
It was the epitome of a one-sided game, as the Habs emerged with a well-deserved 4-0 win. Rookie netminder Jacob Fowler wasn’t particularly busy, stopping 20 shots sent his way to secure his second career shutout.
Let’s dive into the highlights!
First-Year Production
Ivan Demidov kicked things off by scoring his 16th goal of the year midway through the first period. All things considered, it’s safe to say he’s having a very underrated rookie season.
Full marks to captain Nick Suzuki, who played a crucial role in the scoring play with his usual neutral-zone dominance.
Ivan Demidov's 16th goal of the year gives the #GoHabsGo a 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/c2lZJLAD8E
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) March 28, 2026
Not to be outdone by his fellow first-year linemate, Oliver Kapanen was the next player to register his name on the scoresheet, after a rather smart pass by the second line’s elder statesman, Alex Newhook.
It was Kapanen’s 22nd goal of the year, which is well above all reasonable expectations. Regardless of the situation, Kapanen finds a way to score, and that can go a long way in building a strong NHL career.
Oliver Kapanen's 22nd goal of the season extends the #GoHabsGo lead to 2-0. pic.twitter.com/u6uLk4tm4U
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) March 29, 2026
Mr. Saturday Night
Cole Caufield had an opportunity to score his 20th Saturday-night goal of the year, and for once, his opponents did a great job shutting him down… until he scored his 45th goal of the season late in the second period.
It should be noted the play was kept alive via solid forecheck, which will surely make Martin St-Louis happy.
A great forecheck by Cole Caufield leads to his 45th goal of the year. #GoHabsGo are up 3-0. pic.twitter.com/aLJ9Y0k1M0
— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) March 29, 2026
Terrific Trio
Alex Newhook would go on to make it 4-0 for the Canadiens, the third member of the second line to find the back of the net on Saturday night.
As we previously discussed, Newhook has done a great job solidifying the top six since returning from an ankle injury. The 25-year-old speedster now has 11 goals and 10 assists in 32 games, and continues to show encouraging chemistry alongside Kapanen and Demidov.
Alex Newhook s’invite à la fête à Nashville ! pic.twitter.com/7Rht4FE7sf
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) March 29, 2026
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Sunday, facing the Hurricanes in Carolina. The puck drop is scheduled for 5 pm ET.
All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.
