Game 3 was a wild win for the Habs

October 11, 2025

Three road games in four nights is not a fun way to start the season, but the Montreal Canadiens are going home with four of six points after a 3-2 win in Chicago.

Here’s what caught my eye.

It took a lot of practice, but the power play converted.

I don’t mean to leave the impression that the power play looked good. It did not.

I lost count. Was it 10 power plays for the Habs? They scored twice, and I suppose 20% isn’t an awful power play stat for a rebuilding team. But this game should not have been this close. The Habs did not capitalize on a ridiculous number of opportunities.

Aside from Hutson still trying to do too much, I’m hating where they have Suzuki positioned on the left side. Him and Caufield are awkward as all get out, jumbled around the circle, and they scored despite themselves.

One thing the power play does have going for it is Zack Bolduc in the bumper spot. His skill set is perfectly suited for that role, and he scored a nice one there in Chicago. Three goals in three games for Duke.

Laine’s wave also saw a fair amount of time, so perhaps the “keeping Laine happy” narrative can take a breather.

Guhle played his best game of the season so far.

Aside from scoring the game winner, he played an aggressive game. Some good offensive positioning, a beautiful open ice hit, and he handled himself in the nonsensical fight that followed.

Juraj Slafkovsky has arrived.

The first overall pick from 2022 has a reputation for starting late. Second-half Slaf is the moniker. But three games into his fourth season, he’s been the Canadiens most consistent player. Last I looked he had lost credit for the game winner, but his net front presence and late game pressure were significant factors in the win.

Slaf has been aggressive and physical, shooting and playing with confidence. He’s driving that top line right now. If the other two can look more like they usually do, they’ll be cooking with gas.

The Habs are heading home for a four game home stand, and they have to be feeling good about what they accomplished on the road.