The Montreal Canadiens achieved a thrilling 2-1 victory against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night at Denver's Ball Arena, concluding their road trip on a high note.
With contributions from Kirby Dach and Cole Caufield during the shootout, and solid goaltending from Jakub Dobes—who finished the game with 22 saves during regulation—the Canadiens managed to snap Colorado's impressive season-high six-game winning streak.
Mikko Rantanen kicked off the scoring for the Avalanche, netting his 23rd goal of the season just 9:01 minutes after the puck dropped. Rantanen's goal also marked the continuation of his remarkable scoring streak, extending it to 13 games, placing him among the top three scorers in the NHL this season.
The Canadiens, fighting back, found their equalizer with just 6:35 left to play. Caufield fired the puck home after receiving the puck on an odd-man rush from teammate Nick Suzuki. The game was tightly contested from this point forward.
Despite both teams having breakaway chances, including significant saves from both goalies—Blackwood stopping Kaiden Guhle and Dobes denying Artturi Lehkonen—the game proceeded to a shootout. Dach and Caufield's successful attempts secured the win for the Canadiens, marking the completion of their road trip with a strong 4-2 record.
Scott Wedgewood's injury left Blackwood with the responsibility of carrying the team's goaltending load. The Avalanche, meanwhile, were hoping to maintain their winning momentum but faced stiff resistance from Montreal, especially after Blackwood was forced to make several phenomenal saves, including one pivotal moment midway through the third period against Jake Evans.
This game showcased not just the skill of the Canadiens' players, but also highlighted the necessity for Blackwood to shoulder significant responsibility as the team moves forward without their injured netminder Wedgewood. Nonetheless, the Canadiens relished the flight home, buoyed by their performance against the reigning champions.
The Avalanche, next up against the Florida Panthers, will look to rebound after this tough loss, as they wrap up their current four-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are set to return to Montreal for a much-anticipated game against the Vancouver Canucks, aiming to capitalize on their recent momentum.