Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Canadiens Coach Sends Strong Message After Failed Comeback Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 10:08 AM ET

The Montreal Canadiens fell 5–4 in a shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday after collapsing late at the Bell Centre after putting together an unexpected comeback.

Montreal surrendered three goals in the first period, including two just 43 seconds apart, as the Flyers jumped out to a 3–0 lead before eight minutes had passed.

The Canadiens, however, responded with a four-goal second period, taking a 4–3 lead into the third. Ivan Demidov had a goal and an assist, while Kirby Dach scored twice and Nick Suzuki extended his point streak with another goal.

Flyers forward Nikita Grebenkin tied the game at 4-4 midway through the third, and after overtime solved nothing, Trevor Zegras sealed the win for Philadelphia in the shootout.

"Overall this game, it’s probably with the least amount of details ... we played probably our worst game of the season," head coach Martin St. Louis says after 5-4 OT loss to Flyers in which #Habs were outshot 42-20.
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) November 5, 2025

After the game, Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis did not hold back in his assessment.

“I still think when we were crawling back, I still think our details were not great, and we were just flirting,” St. Louis said. “[Goalie Sam Montembeault] was making great saves, and I think he kept us in it after we scored a couple of goals.”

Added St. Louis: “We were able to be opportunistic on our chances, but overall, this game is probably with the least amount of details... we played, probably, our worst game of the season.”

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis looks on from the bench.Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

Montembeault made 38 saves, helping the Canadiens earn a point despite allowing three goals on the first five shots he faced on Tuesday.

“Resilient by [Montembeault] to honestly steal us a point there,” Lane Hutson said. “He faced a lot of shots and when you go down 3–0 early it’s tough to stay in the game, but he did and battled for us, and we wish we got the result for him.”

Montreal was outshot 42–20 in the game and but went 2-for-2 on the power play while dominating Philadelphia 38-20 in faceoffs.

The Canadiens, now 9–3–1 and first in the Atlantic Division, will face the New Jersey Devils on Thursday at the Prudential Center, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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