The Montreal Canadiens are aiming to return to winning form and improve their defense as they face the New Jersey Devils on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Canadiens hold a 9-3-1 record and lead the Atlantic Division.
In their most recent game, Montreal lost 5-4 in a shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers at home. The Flyers took a 3-0 lead after the first period, but the Canadiens rallied with four goals in the second. They conceded a tying goal in the middle of the third period.
Montreal was heavily outshot, 42-20, but won in faceoffs, 38-20. Their power play was effective, converting 2-for-4, while the penalty kill succeeded 4-for-6. This power play performance was key to sparking their offensive momentum.
Kirby Dach was named the third star of the game with two goals.
The Devils hold a 9-4 record and lead the Metropolitan Division. Their last game was a 4-1 loss on the road to the Anaheim Ducks.
New Jersey trailed 3-0 going into the third period, scored once midway through, but ultimately allowed an empty-net goal. Key stats were close, with the Devils outshooting the Ducks 33-29.
The Devils were 0-for-1 on the power play and perfect 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. Both teams excelled in blocking shots, though some Devils’ top offensive players had poor plus/minus ratings.
As of November 6, 2025, Montreal ranks second in scoring, tied for 18th in goals against, sixth in the power play, and 22nd on the penalty kill.
"The power play was a big reason the Canadians got back in this game, and it got the offensive momentum going for the rest of the game."
Author’s summary: The Canadiens seek a bounce-back win against the Devils after recent close losses, with special teams and defense key to influencing the tight division race.