Sports
Canadiens Edge Ducks in Shootout, Laine Scores Winning Goal
The Montreal Canadiens secured a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in a shootout on Monday night at the Bell Centre. Patrik Laine was the hero, scoring the winning goal in the shootout to propel the Canadiens to their third win in their last four games.
Laine, who returned from injury on December 3, continued his strong form by scoring his third power-play goal in four games. He also collected his first assist of the season on Kirby Dach’s goal, which tied the game 2-2. Dach’s goal came just 11 seconds after Troy Terry’s second goal of the night had given the Ducks their first lead of the game.
Troy Terry was a standout for the Ducks, scoring his team-leading seventh and eighth goals of the season. Despite his efforts, the Ducks dropped their third straight game of a four-game road trip. Jacob Trouba made his Ducks debut after being traded from the New York Rangers, playing 22:35 and delivering five hits.
Sam Montembeault made 27 saves for the Canadiens, while Lukas Dostal stopped 19 shots for the Ducks. Dostal’s performance was crucial, but a misplay of the puck behind his own net led to Dach’s tying goal.
The game highlighted the improving defense and special teams play of the Canadiens. Montreal ranks fifth on the penalty kill and 14th on the power play, which gave them an edge over the Ducks, who struggle in these areas.
The Ducks, currently on a tough road trip, face further challenges with injuries to key players Leo Carlsson and Trevor Zegras. Carlsson has missed six straight games, and Zegras will miss at least the next two games.
The Canadiens will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, while the Ducks will visit the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.