The Montreal Canadiens were in Los Angeles to face the Kings on Saturday, aiming to win at least one game before the end of their California road trip.
Despite being down and trailing by a good margin, Montreal's first line came to play, leading the team to a vital comeback 4–3.
Let's look at the highlights!
that man was a legend
The first period was a perfect example of what happens when only one team comes in.
The Kings outshot the Canadiens 16-1, which is the kind of ratio that's only acceptable if an ordinary person enters a drinking contest against Wade Boggs, God rest him.
Shockingly or not, the Kings led 1-0 at the first intermission, an incredibly good score for a road team. The only reason they weren't able to take a multi-goal lead was due to the good grace of Jacob Dobbs.
And because hockey is a cruel mistress, the Canadiens tied the game on just their third shot of the game, just minutes into the second period.
It was Jake Evans' ninth goal of the year.
Jake Evans spent his ninth of the year at home to get things ready for the Habs pic.twitter.com/iYLEfHdbBd
- Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) 8 March 2026
first line effect
The recently reunited first line of Juraj Slafkowski, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield picked up right where they left off Friday, with Slafkowski scoring his 22nd goal of the year late in the third period.
In years past, I'm not sure Slafkovsky would have attempted to cut to the net, let alone take a shot from late, but we're seeing a more confident version of the 21-year-old forward this season.
Juraj Slafkowski gives a great effort #GoHabsGo 2-1 lead over Kings: pic.twitter.com/gcDMMfR2Di
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 8 March 2026
the other shoe drops
The good news for Montreal is that despite being beaten by a huge margin, they managed to take a one-goal lead.
The bad news is that the lead was even more fragile than the Faberge eggs that escaped the Soviet Revolution.
Los Angeles kept up the pressure to finally establish their lead early in the third period.
Alex Laferriere gives Kings lead pic.twitter.com/7ZTZAMq5et
- TVA Sports (@TVASports) 8 March 2026
one more done
You'd be hard-pressed to argue that the Habs deserved numerous power plays on Saturday night, but ultimately the refs listened to them, giving them their first man advantage of the game late in the third period.
Slafkowski, Montreal's biggest scoring threat on the power play, took advantage, scoring his 23rd goal of the year in the process.
3-3!!!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/qUVxwfibZN
- Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) 8 March 2026
cardiac children
As usual, Montreal's excellent attack thwarted its poor defence, as Suzuki recorded his third point of the game and his 21st goal of the season. This gave the Habs a 4-3 lead with less than five minutes remaining in the third period.
By now, we Canadians should be used to sleeping for long periods of time, waking up, and choosing violence.
It is highly entertaining, though not recommended for any fans suffering from heart problems.
Suzuki at its finest!
Nick for the late lead!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/ihxCslUoHH
- Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) 8 March 2026
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Tuesday facing the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm ET.
Unless otherwise noted, all Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5. Through the natural state trick.
