The Montreal Canadiens host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night in a game with significant playoff implications.
It was a tough match, but in the end the Canadiens emerged with a 2–1 victory.
With the win, first-year netminder Jacob Dobbs recorded his 24th win of the season, officially surpassing Patrick Roy's win total in his rookie season, doing so in 11 fewer games.
An impressive feat, all things considered.
Let's look at the highlights!
first and best
Jayden Struble made his mark by scoring his first goal of the year, not to mention his first goal since November 26, 2024. Suffice it to say, it's a stretch.
It must be said that both Lane Hutson and Zachary Bolduc did a great job helping him, with the former keeping the game alive in the offensive zone on two occasions and eventually finding an open teammate.
Jayden Struble scores his first goal of the season #GoHabsGo 1-0 lead!
Assists Bolduc and Hutson. pic.twitter.com/oQzcdWnKjH
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 26 March 2026
Dobbs holds the fort
It was a relatively slow-paced game, although it should be noted that the Blue Jackets held a 9–2 edge in high-danger scoring opportunities during 40 minutes of play.
Dobbs did a great job of shutting down the Jackets when they were carrying the bulk of the momentum, including a pair of breakaways in the second period.
He's not always technically the best goaltender in the league, but he has an uncanny way of scoring important wins for the Habs, and that's all that matters at this point in the season.
A big save from Jacob Dobbs keeps the game tied at 1-1. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/VGPgnLjecg
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 27 March 2026
welcome back, zach
With the game tied 1–1, the Canadiens got some much-needed offensive support from the bottom six when Zachary Bolduc scored his first goal since December 23 and his 11th of the season.
It has been difficult to create secondary and tertiary offense in Montreal, making this another important target for a player who has struggled to find the back of the net in 2026.
It was easily one of Bolduc's best performances of the season, as he would foul Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson midway through the third period.
Zachary Bolduc scores his first goal since December 23rd!
Great work by Mike Matheson and Jake Evans to set up the play. #GoHabsGo Are ahead 2-1. pic.twitter.com/vVJMEnunn3
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 27 March 2026
last section
The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Saturday facing the Predators in Nashville, with puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.
All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.
