The Montreal Canadiens host the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night, looking to get back to their winning ways after last night’s disappointing loss.
Brendan Gallagher returned to the lineup as a healthy scratch after watching Saturday’s game, with Zachary Bolduc taking his place in the press box. Arbor Zekaj replaced Jaden Struble on the blueline and rookie netminder Jacob Fowler was given his 12th start of the season.
There was also some misfortune on the injury front, as Kirby Dach was forced to leave the game after an injury to Jeffrey Viel in the first period.
It was a tight contest between two talented clubs, but in the end the Ducks emerged with a 4–3 win.
Let’s look at the highlights!
speed demon
With the Ducks leading 2–0, the Canadiens found their rhythm, starting with a great shot from Alex Newhook that was perfectly set up by phenom Lane Hutson.
It was Newhook’s 9th goal of the year, and it must be said that he has done a fantastic job since returning from an ankle injury that caused him to miss a significant portion of the season. For Hutson, it was his 56th assist of the year, which tells you everything you need to know about his impact on a nightly basis.
Hutson is a rising tide that lifts all boats.
Newhook gets a dime back for Hubs!
What a rocket of a shot. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/inLzSE7YLn
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) 16 March 2026
the usual suspects
The Canadiens kept the momentum going with another goal just over a minute later, as Cole Caufield scored for his 39th time of the season.
Once again, excellent play from a defender led to the goal, with Noah Dobson offering a perfect outlet pass that covered nearly 100 feet of ice. Dobson may not provide the offensive impact that Hutson does, few do, but there is no doubt that he has provided a game-changing presence for the Canadiens.
What a snipe from Caufield and the game is tied at two! pic.twitter.com/80wFr2nSPQ
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) 16 March 2026
puck protection
The Canadiens took the lead when Nick Suzuki scored his 23rd goal of the year, thanks to a great effort by Juraj Slafkowski to maintain control of the puck through the neutral zone. It’s the type of play Slafkowski would never have attempted a few years ago, but now that he’s found his rhythm in the NHL, he’s becoming a steady source of controlled exits and entries.
The Habs have scored three consecutive goals and now have a 3-2 lead over the Ducks! pic.twitter.com/GCmdUumyFX
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) 16 March 2026
late fall
Even though they struggled in the second period, the Ducks never relented, which ultimately led to Cutter Gauthier’s 34th goal of the year to give Anaheim a 4–3 lead with just a few minutes left in the third period.
To Fowler’s credit, he saved the day on several occasions before the goal. The Canadiens were frustrated by their poor defensive coverage, which has been a recurring theme this season.
What is nearby?
What is the goal?
Gauthier hit his 34th of the season to lead the Ducks to 4-3. pic.twitter.com/du8GnufvGK
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) 16 March 2026
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Tuesday facing the Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm ET.
All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.
#Canadiens #highlights #Hardfought #loss #Ducks
