Canadiens Hockey Faceoff Against Blackhawks as Connor Bedard Sits Out
The Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday at the Bell Centre, with the Blackhawks missing their star player, Connor Bedard. The Canadiens entered the game with a record of 17 wins, 12 losses, and 4 overtime losses, totaling 38 points, while the Blackhawks held a record of 13 wins, 14 losses, and 6 overtime losses for 30 points.
Game Highlights
Jakub Dobes started in goal for the Canadiens, while defenseman Mike Matheson was absent due to an upper body injury. The game opened fiercely, with the Canadiens delivering strong checks early on.
Key Moments
- At 4:07, the Blackhawks appeared to score first.
- However, Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis challenged the play due to interference involving Ilya Mikheyev and Jakub Dobes.
- The review confirmed the challenge, resulting in the goal being disallowed.
Later in the period, at 7:27, Frank Nazar managed to redirect a puck into the net, giving the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead.
The Canadiens quickly responded. Toward the end of the first period, Cole Caufield set up Zachary Bolduc, who scored with a precise shot at 14:23, leveling the game.
Current Standings
| Team | Wins | Losses | OT Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal Canadiens | 17 | 12 | 4 | 38 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 13 | 14 | 6 | 30 |
The absence of Connor Bedard certainly affected the Blackhawks as they sought to gain ground. The intense competition highlighted the strategic plays from both teams, emphasizing the ongoing rivalry in the league.
