Overview

• The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-1, marking their sixth consecutive victory and boosting their playoff chances significantly.
• Goaltender Sam Montembeault delivered a standout performance with 35 saves, playing a crucial role in keeping the game close during a slow start for Montreal.
• Josh Anderson scored the game-winning goal in the third period, while Cole Caufield, Brendan Gallagher, and Nick Suzuki also contributed offensively.
• The Canadiens now hold an eight-point lead over key Eastern Conference rivals for the final wild-card spot, though they have yet to officially clinch a playoff berth.
• Montreal signed top prospect Ivan Demidov to a three-year entry-level contract, with expectations that he will join the team soon and provide an immediate impact.