Canadiens Quick Hits: Kapanen, Danault, Dobes & Strong Game

The Montreal Canadiens keep finding ways to win, and Tuesday night was another example. Montreal beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3–1 at Bell Centre, controlling most of the game and extending its strong run to 7-1-3 in the last 11 games. The Canadiens played with confidence, got solid goaltending, and saw contributions from several key players.

Here are three Canadiens who made the biggest difference.

Quick Hit One: Oliver Kapanen Keeps Rookie Season Rolling

Oliver Kapanen struck early and set the tone for Montreal’s night. Just under five minutes into the game, Kapanen helped Ivan Demidov win a puck battle in the corner before slipping into space near the net. Alex Newhook found him with a quick pass, and Kapanen spun and snapped the puck through Joseph Woll’s pads for the opening goal.

The tally continued an impressive rookie season. Kapanen has now joined a short list of Canadiens rookies in the past three decades to score 20 or more goals, putting him in the same conversation as players like Cole Caufield and Michael Ryder.

For a young forward, that’s pretty good company.

Quick Hit Two: Phillip Danault Wins the Battle in Front

Phillip Danault’s goal was the kind that frustrates opposing defences. Late in the first period, a dump-in from Kaiden Guhle took a strange bounce out from behind the net. Danault beat Morgan Rielly to the puck and slipped it five-hole on Woll before he could react.

It wasn’t a pretty goal, but it was exactly the kind that comes from effort and awareness. Danault has built a career on those details — being first to pucks, winning battles, and turning small moments into scoring chances. On a night when Montreal wanted to establish control early, his goal helped do exactly that.

Quick Hit Three: Jakub Dobes Provides Calm in the Net

Jakub Dobes didn’t face a barrage of shots, but he delivered exactly what Montreal needed. Dobes stopped 17 of 18 shots, and his biggest moment came in the second period when Toronto started to push after Nylander’s goal. Instead of letting momentum swing, Dobes stayed composed and turned aside the few dangerous chances the Maple Leafs generated.

Sometimes, the most important thing a goalie can do is simply steady the game. That’s what Dobes did.

The Bottom Line for the Canadiens

The Canadiens looked like the more confident team most of the night. They controlled the puck early, defended well when Toronto pushed, and got timely goaltending.

For Montreal, it’s another step forward in what’s quietly becoming a strong stretch of hockey. For the Maple Leafs, it’s another frustrating night in a building that continues to give them trouble.