On March 15, 2026, the Anaheim Ducks faced off against the Montreal Canadiens in a tightly contested match that saw the Ducks emerge victorious with a score of 4-3. This game was particularly significant for the Ducks, who had lost two consecutive games prior to this win.
As the game unfolded, the Ducks took an early lead, scoring two goals in the second period. Leo Carlsson was a standout player, contributing two goals and an assist, showcasing his offensive prowess. Troy Terry also made his mark with one goal and two assists, further solidifying the Ducks’ attack.
With the game nearing its conclusion, Cutter Gauthier scored the winning goal with just 2:30 remaining in the third period. This late-game success was crucial for the Ducks, allowing them to move into first place in the Pacific Division.
On the other side, the Canadiens fought hard to stay competitive. Nick Suzuki managed to score one goal and provide an assist, while Jacob Fowler, the Canadiens’ goaltender, made 24 saves to keep his team in the game. However, the Canadiens struggled on the power play, going 0-for-4, which ultimately hindered their chances of victory.
In a concerning development for the Canadiens, Kirby Dach left the game with an upper-body injury, adding to the team’s challenges. Coach Martin St. Louis noted the need for better risk management in the final minutes of the game, stating, “I found late in the third period, the last six or seven minutes, we didn’t manage risk properly.”
Brendan Gallagher echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of limiting chances against their opponents. He remarked, “We know we can create those chances, I think it’s in terms of limiting them that’s certainly an area we can improve in.”
In a notable moment, John Carlson made his Ducks debut after being acquired from the Washington Capitals, adding depth to the Ducks’ lineup.
As the Ducks celebrate their victory, they will look to maintain momentum as they prepare to host the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Canadiens remain in third place in the Atlantic Division, just two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning, and will need to regroup quickly to stay competitive.
This match not only highlights the ongoing rivalry between the Ducks and Canadiens but also sets the stage for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
