The Montreal Canadiens host the Washington Capitals on Saturday night, hoping to bounce back from a disappointing finish in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders earlier in the week.
Once again, Cole Caufield rose to the occasion and gave the Habs a comfortable 6-2 win.
It should also be noted that Jacob Dobbs looked very good, stopping 29 of 30 shots to secure the win. There is no doubt, Dobbs gives the Canadiens the best chance to win games, an advantage that cannot be ignored until the final stages of the season.
Let’s look at the highlights!
mr saturday night
It may seem like a rerun, but I promise it’s just the same script.
Caufield led the offense Saturday night and scored just 30 seconds into the first period. Not only did he strip the puck away from Alex Ovechkin, but he gave former Habs netminder Charlie Lindgren no chance, firing a pinpoint shot just wide of his trapper to the far side.
C̵o̵l̵e̵ ̵C̵a̵u̵f̵i̵e̵l̵d̵ Monsieur opens the brand on Saturday evening! 😤 pic.twitter.com/2dswzQoT2i
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 1 March 2026
and then
Of course, we all know that a goal won’t quench Caufield’s thirst when it comes to a performance on Saturday night.
He doubled his tally at the end of the first period, scoring his 35th goal of the season by taking advantage of a loose puck near the goalmouth.
We should probably give his teammates a little credit, but that’s especially true from Sunday to Friday night. Saturday is reserved first and foremost for Caulfield appreciation.
Who else? This is Cole Caufield’s 35th goal of the season and 2nd of the evening! ☺️ pic.twitter.com/4Bi3GkE2Fm
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 1 March 2026
math guy +1
Rather than sit on their laurels, the Canadiens decided to take advantage of their chances, resulting in a very nice goal by defenseman Mike Matheson.
Zachary Bolduc and Alex Newhook were given full credit for establishing the play, with Newhook’s ability to generate his own fast-paced controlled entries with a special stick tap.
All things considered, Newhook doesn’t look like a player who has just recovered from an ankle injury that caused him to miss a significant portion of the season. There’s still a lot of hockey left to play, but it’s incredibly exciting to see him take the field when he returns to the lineup.
Mike Matheson gives beauty of a goal #GoHabsGo 3-1 lead.
Provides support to Newhook and Bolduc. pic.twitter.com/BdMtn6qzZ4
– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) 1 March 2026
first line effect
Kirby Dach has also had a relatively strong performance since recovering from his latest injury.
His shot late in the second period to give the Canadiens a 4-1 lead was one of the best and cleanest shots we have seen since the 25-year-old joined the organization a few years ago. The play also featured one of Nick Suzuki’s three points on the night.
Kirby Dach scored a great goal from a nice pass from Nick Suzuki. Awesome release.#GoHabsGo Are ahead 4-1. pic.twitter.com/e3V6Rl1GIg
– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) 1 March 2026
In the long run, it wasn’t enough to save the day for the Capitals, but we have to give Ovechkin credit for scoring two goals. This should come as no surprise, as Ovechkin has terrorized Montreal throughout his career. He has now scored 44 goals and 32 assists in just 63 games against the Habs.
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Tuesday facing the Sharks in San Jose. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 pm ET.
All Montreal Canadiens stats 5v5, unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.
#Cole #Coffield #Saturday #Night
