Key moments
On April 4, 2026, the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., securing a thrilling 4-3 victory in a shootout. This win marked the Canadiens’ eighth consecutive victory, solidifying their position in the NHL as they push towards the playoffs.
The game was tightly contested, with the Canadiens managing to score four goals while the Devils netted three. Cole Caufield played a pivotal role in the match, contributing two assists, while Jakub Dobes improved his season record to 27-8-4 with this win. The Canadiens’ performance was particularly impressive given that they had not defeated the Devils in two years prior to this game.
With this victory, the Montreal Canadiens are now tied for second place in the Atlantic Division with the Buffalo Sabres, just two points behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Lightning. The Canadiens have also achieved their first 100-point season since 2016-17, a significant milestone for the team.
Defenceman Mike Matheson celebrated a personal achievement by playing in his 700th career game during this match. The Canadiens’ power play, however, struggled, converting only 1 of 5 opportunities throughout the game. Despite this, the team’s overall performance has been commendable, with players like Caufield showing strong offensive capabilities, having scored three goals in 12 career games against New Jersey.
After the game, head coach Martin St. Louis expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, stating, “I think we’re a good team.” Captain Nick Suzuki echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m proud of the guys,” highlighting the team’s resilience and determination. Jakub Dobes also noted his contributions, saying, “I tried to help the guys to get up the ice or get possession,” emphasizing the collaborative effort that led to the victory.
Looking ahead, the Canadiens have four upcoming games at home, which presents an opportunity to further solidify their playoff position. Lane Hutson remarked on the importance of maintaining momentum, stating, “We’re going to continue to build our game, put ourselves in a good spot going into the playoffs.” This focus on improvement will be crucial as the season progresses.
As the Canadiens continue their winning streak, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can maintain their form and secure a strong playoff position. The team’s recent success has revitalized hopes for a deep playoff run, and with the right focus and determination, they may very well achieve their goals this season.
