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Full Breakdown

Canadiens Rally to Defeat Mammoth in Utah

11/28/2025, 4:29:05 PM

Game Overview

On November 26, 2025, the Montreal Canadiens secured a 4-3 victory against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City, marking their third win in ten games. The Canadiens showcased resilience, overcoming a second-period deficit after initially leading 2-0. Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov scored pivotal goals early in the third period, propelling Montreal to victory. Jakub Dobes, the Canadiens' goaltender, made 31 saves, contributing significantly to the win.

Scoring Summary

Montreal opened the scoring with Zach Bolduc's power-play goal at 10:38 of the first period, followed by Suzuki's first goal at 16:37. The Mammoth responded in the second period with three consecutive goals from Barrett Hayton, Kailer Yamamoto, and Michael Carcone, taking a 3-2 lead. Suzuki equalized for Montreal shortly after, and Demidov's goal at 4:47 of the third sealed the win.

Team Performance

Despite the victory, the Canadiens' performance highlighted ongoing issues, particularly in their penalty kill, which has struggled throughout the season. Coach Andre Tourigny of the Mammoth noted that their penalty kill, previously a strength, faltered during the game. The Canadiens' power play, however, was effective, converting two of three opportunities.

Key Player Contributions

Nick Suzuki's performance was noteworthy as he reached the 400-point milestone in his career, becoming one of the fastest players in Canadiens history to achieve this feat. He expressed gratitude for the support of his teammates, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in his success. Bolduc also had a standout game, recording a goal and two assists, marking his first career three-point game.

Criticism & Areas for Improvement

Despite the win, concerns remain regarding the Canadiens' second-period performance, where they have consistently struggled this season. Their goal differential in the second period is notably poor, prompting discussions about the team's youth and inexperience. General Manager Kent Hughes has acknowledged the need for veteran presence to stabilize the lineup, especially with several key players sidelined due to injuries.

Official Statements & Responses

Following the game, Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. He noted the necessity for the team to learn from their mistakes, particularly in managing leads during games.

What's Next

The Canadiens will continue their road trip with a game against the Vegas Golden Knights on November 28, 2025. The Mammoth will face the Dallas Stars on the same day. As the Canadiens navigate a challenging schedule, the integration of new veteran players, such as Alexandre Texier, is anticipated to bolster the team's performance moving forward.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “Our [penalty kill] has been our strength since the start of the season. Tonight we were not as sharp on our PK.” — Andre Tourigny, Mammoth Coach
  • “I'm just trying to do my best out there,” — Nick Suzuki, Canadiens Captain