Canadiens Highlights: Oilers Spoil Great Caufield Effort

The Montreal Canadiens faced the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night, looking to maintain their momentum while dealing with the second leg of back-to-back games.

The Canadiens were well on their way to a 5-3 win, but a late-game surge by the Oilers, not to mention some questionable officiating, resulted in a 6-5 win for the Oilers.

Let’s dive into the highlights!

Newhook Giveth, Newhook Taketh Away

Much like the tide in St. John’s Harbour, it was an up-and-down affair for Alex Newhook in the first period. The 24-year-old, currently the grizzled veteran on the second line, scored his second goal of the year after smartly making his way to the front of the net to capitalize on a rebound.

He gave it back to the Oilers in the last few minutes of the frame, deflecting a David Tomasek point shot behind Samuel Montembeault. It was a tough break, as the Habs held an advantage in shots on net (11-6) and high-quality chances (4-2) at that point in the game.

A strong net-front presence by Alex Newhook leads to a 1-0 lead for the #GoHabsGo. pic.twitter.com/GtzdcYMynG

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 24, 2025

The Goalie Situation

Samuel Montembeault will be scrutinized heavily regardless of the scoreline, but even more so when the Canadiens are playing well, but losing, as was the case midway through the second period, when the Oilers established a 3-1 lead.

However, we have to be fair.

The first two goals were deflections, and the third was a very nice passing play. Of course, goaltenders are allowed to stop deflected shots, and the onus is always on Montembeault to make the save, because that’s his job, but you’d be hard-pressed to argue they were weak goals.

Henrique tips the point shot, Oilers up 2-1. pic.twitter.com/AyMQohbSZw

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 24, 2025

Cardiac Kids

Five years ago, a 3-1 deficit late in the second period during a Western Canadian matchup would have been the ideal time to shut off the television.

But the times they are a-changin’.

Josh Anderson kicked things off by scoring his first goal of the year at the perfect time, injecting a much-needed boost of energy into the lineup. Without taking any credit away from Anderson, once again, we see a scoring play develop due to the impressive effort provided by Brendan Gallagher on the forecheck.

A huge goal for Josh Anderson.

As per usual, great work by Gallagher on the forecheck. 3-2. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/ihpzsxUihS

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 24, 2025

The Anderson marker quickly made way for a pair of Caufield goals, a good reminder that the Wisconsin native is more than just a pure snipe. He used his silky mitts to exploit the open ice available near the Oilers crease, scoring a highlight-reel goal in the process.

Full marks to Noah Dobson for the perfect pass.

Have yourself a season, Mr. Caufield.

A perfect pass by Noah Dobson sets up this beautiful goal by Cole Caufield. Tie game! #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/KfcYk0kqXv

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 24, 2025

It took Caufield less than 50 seconds to give the Montreal Canadiens a 4-3 lead, scoring his seventh goal of the year off the rush, which is usually an area of weakness for the Habs. With the goal, Caufield tied Dylan Larkin and Jack Eichel for the lead league.

I’ve been watching the Habs for the better part of four decades, and I have to say this is the most exciting roster the team has managed to ice since the turn of the century.

They simply refuse to stay down.

Another one!

Cole Caufield makes it easy, his seventh goal of the year. Habs lead 4-3. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/X03CMX7ExC

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 24, 2025

High Tide For The Montreal Canadiens

Most of the attention sent the second line’s way has been centred on Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen, and with good reason, but there’s no doubt Newhook has done a fantastic job driving the play with his speed.

He was rewarded for his solid play by a perfect pass by Kapanen, which allowed the Canadiens to quickly establish a 5-3 lead.

Open the floodgates!

A great backhand pass by Oliver Kapanen sets up Alex Newhook's second goal of the game. 5-3.

#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/frOL0viGKm

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 24, 2025

Zebra Crossing

I’m not one to be overly critical of the referees on a nightly basis. They have a very difficult job, and there’s bound to be mistakes. But the last few penalties on the Canadiens were softer than a bunny wrapped in velvet, shrouded in silk, and topped with suede. And they were the direct cause of the last two Oilers goals, which tied the game 5-5 late in the third period.

With that in mind, the referees may have impacted the play in the worst possible fashion, by making themselves part of the story, but they were not the catalysts of the 6-5 goal by the Oilers in the dying minutes of the game.

The Oilers score on the powerplay to tie the game at 5.

You could say there have been some… questionable decisions by the referees. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Xi7jZeqFI1

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 24, 2025

Additional Montreal Canadiens Notes And Statistics

• Demidov was used on the first powerplay unit, to the acclaim of every single Habs fan.
• Hutson and Demidov continuously push the pace, a throwback to an era that featured a high-scoring team brimming with confidence. It’s a refreshing change after three or so decades of relatively low-pace hockey in Montreal.
• Alex Carrier has been pinching much more often this year. To the point that it feels like he was told to focus on offensive opportunities.
• The scoreline was a little flattering to the Oilers. The Canadiens held an 11-7 advantage in high-quality scoring chances at 5v5. Usually, it’s the first line generating most of the high-danger shots, but versus the Oilers, all four lines did a good job in the offensive zone.
• Connor McDavid always plays well against the Habs, but nowhere near as well as we’ve seen him play against most other teams. For some reason, he’s only very good whenever he faces the Habs, and that’s not very good for someone like McDavid.
• No one knows why Josh Anderson was penalized late in the third period, because there was no explanation, which will only lead to further frustration by fans, who are already fed up with the eternal officiating inconsistency in the NHL.

The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Saturday, facing the Vancouver Canucks at 4 pm ET.

All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.

More must-reads:

• Canadiens Game Preview: Montembeault Starts, Dach Returns
• Habs Daily: Dobes Streak, Suzuki Points, Rocket
• Canadiens Highlights: Demidov Plays The Hero Role