December 12, 2025
On Thursday night, the Montreal Canadiens were in Pittsburgh to face the Penguins with some fresh line-up changes. The result was a 4-2 win.
Here’s what I noticed.
I didn’t love how the coach used his call-ups.
Martin St. Louis made the easy choices. The decision to play Jacob Fowler was made for him, Owen Beck’s slot was obvious with Evans away, and so he just had to decide which defender to sit. Marty went to his default and sat Xhekaj, who had not been the worst D-man of late.
I didn’t love the decision on D, and I didn’t love that the veteran goalie maintained the back-up role. But ultimately they were enough, and the coach is in that locker room while I hold a remote control.
More decisions await. What happens if Evans is ready? Which veteran sits for Beck? Because someone should with the way the kid played. Will Xhekaj sit again? Will Fowler start again, and if so, who backs him up?
Veterans have become comfortable instead of stabilizing. They were better last night, but the message should be driven home hard.
I wouldn’t rush to trade Oliver Kapanen.
I know folks are eager for a 2C and Kapanen’s name often arises as the return. I wouldn’t go there unless the guy coming in was really special.
Kapanen is not your typical rookie, having already played in a men’s league in Sweden. He’s solid at 200 feet and adding Slafkovsky to his line with Demidov has told a tale. Whether Slaf, or another big and skilled winger who can make plays and recover pucks, the second line might be just fine with another legitimate top-six winger. Like Kirby Dach, maybe?
Speaking of Slaf, he was strong again last night with both assists showing off his playmaking prowess.
The future starting netminder in Montreal is obvious.
Jacob Fowler just looks like a starter. Confident, big in his net, well-positioned. It won’t be long before he’s the regular number one.
Hab At Her 