November 9, 2025
On Saturday night the Utah Mammath were at the Bell Centre to face the Montreal Canadiens. The result for the Habs in Game 15 was a 6-2 win.
Here are some things I noticed.
Cole Caufield is playing with big confidence.
He should be, with 12 goals in 15 games. But when he’s playing like this he is inevitable.
Those “short side, aim for the smallest opening, and see what happens” goals are Classic Cole. But the lurking around the net and collecting clean-up goals is a nice addition to his repertoire. I loved that he knew his wraparound was in and acted like it before the refs confirmed.
Those draft day trades are cashing in.
In 2022, at their first draft, HuGo used Romanov and picks to land Kirby Dach, hoping he would become their second line centreman behind Nick Suzuki. It’s been a bumpy road for Dach, but he’s looking good since his return from the most recent injury. His goal last night was a sweet individual effort to create the turnover and beat the goalie. Good for him. Could he still be the 2C with the right wingers?
In 2023, HuGo used picks again to acquire Alex Newhook. It’s taken some time for Newhook to find his identity with the Habs, but it’s looking like he has. He’s been strong on a line with two kids. I loved that he kept going when it looked like a penalty should have been called, and he finished with confidence. His setup for Suzuki was also solid.
In 2025, HuGo traded two first rounders and Emil Heineman in exchange for Noah Dobson. It was a big price but Dobson is proving to be worth it, settling in as the 1D. He’s quietly racking up points while playing solid defensive hockey.
The Evans line is struggling.
The Canadiens win 6-2 and both Evans and Veleno were -2. Unfortunately, that stat matches the eye test. Veleno is no replacement for Gallagher, but Gally is needed on Dach’s line right now.
In the short term, Laval might have a replacement for Veleno. It’s also possible that a guy like Jordan Kyrou could replace Gally beside Dach.
Perhaps the best way to defend a lead is to play like you don’t have one.
Montreal went to the first intermission tied. They went to the second intermission up 3-2. But then they piled on and scored three goals in the third. That was a nice change from what we have seen from them late in games.
After 15 games, the Habs are 10-3-2. Good times.
Hab At Her 