Canadiens Edge Maple Leafs in Pre-Season Thriller: Newhook Shines
The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 in pre-season action on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena. Riley Kidney and Lane Hutson scored power-play goals for the Canadiens, while Alex Newhook had a goal and an assist. The Canadiens outshot the Maple Leafs 29-23 in the contest.
Game Highlights
Alex Newhook's impactful performance was a key factor in the Canadiens' victory. His defensive efforts and offensive contributions demonstrated his potential to fill a significant role on the team this season. Sean Farrell also contributed a goal for Montreal, adding to the offensive firepower. John Tavares and William Nylander scored for the Maple Leafs.
- Riley Kidney opened the scoring for the Canadiens with a power play goal in the second period.
- Lane Hutson followed up with another power play goal, extending Montreal's lead.
- Alex Newhook displayed strong two-way play, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Newhook's Impressive Performance
Newhook's performance has raised hopes he can be a valuable asset for the Canadiens. Not only did he score a goal, but his defensive play, especially late in the game, was crucial to securing the win. Coach Martin St. Louis emphasized Newhook's potential to be a dominant defensive player, and his performance on Saturday reinforced that view. Newhook won 50% of his faceoffs, a key area of improvement for him.
Goaltending and Team Stats
Montreal goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 21 of 23 shots. Anthony Stolarz stopped 15 of 18 for Toronto before being relieved by Artur Akhtyamov, who stopped 10 of 11 shots in the third period. The Canadiens outhit the Maple Leafs 30-28.
Looking Ahead
With pre-season winding down, both teams will look to finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season. The Canadiens will face the Ottawa Senators in Quebec City on Tuesday. The Maple Leafs will play a mini-series with the Detroit Red Wings. These games will provide further opportunities for players to prove themselves and solidify their positions on their respective teams. The Montreal Canadiens' performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs will provide a confidence boost.
