What a night of hockey dominance! Imagine watching your favorite team get obliterated 7-0 – that's the harsh reality the Montreal Canadiens faced in a brutal showdown with the Dallas Stars. But let's dive into the details of this lopsided victory, where one star shone brighter than the rest, and an injury left fans wondering about the toll on young talent. Stay tuned, because this game wasn't just about goals; it sparked debates on player safety and team resilience that might just surprise you.
MONTREAL – In a display of sheer offensive firepower, Jason Robertson netted two goals and chipped in with an assist, while Casey DeSmith stood tall with 23 saves, leading the Dallas Stars to a resounding 7-0 triumph over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. For beginners in hockey, think of this as the Stars playing an almost flawless game, where every opportunity turned into a scoring chance, leaving little room for error or comeback.
Wyatt Johnston celebrated his milestone 100th career goal, joining Esa Lindell, Tyler Seguin, Colin Blackwell, and Alexander Petrovic on the scoresheet for Dallas, who improved to 11-4-3 and secured their fourth consecutive win. Radek Faksa was the playmaker extraordinaire with three assists, and Mikko Rantanen contributed two more. For those new to the sport, these assists are like the unsung heroes of the play, setting up teammates for those game-changing moments.
DeSmith claimed his first shutout of the season – meaning he didn't allow a single goal against, a rare feat that highlights a goalie's dominance, especially in a high-scoring league like the NHL. This marked the Stars' second shutout in the 2024-25 campaign, proving their defense was as solid as their offense.
On the flip side, Jakub Dobes struggled in net for Montreal, conceding five goals on just 13 shots over the first two periods, resulting in his second straight defeat after the Canadiens started the season on a hot streak of six wins. Sam Montembeault stepped in during the third period but couldn't turn things around, stopping only four out of six shots. Montreal, who held the top spot in the Atlantic Division going into the game, suffered their second consecutive loss and fourth in their last five matches.
The Canadiens appeared to dictate the pace early in the first period, but Wyatt Johnston broke the deadlock on the power play at 14:21, capping off a clever tic-tac-toe sequence involving Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen. From there, the Stars unleashed a barrage in the second period, with even-strength tallies from Lindell, Seguin, and two from Robertson, pushing their lead to 5-0.
TAKEAWAYS
Stars: Robertson's brace came in rapid succession – just 99 seconds apart – late in the second frame, showcasing his lightning-quick reflexes. He first beat Dobes with a deft backhand and then fired a wrist shot through a crowded crease, even as some fans began to head for the exits with 3:11 left in the period. For hockey enthusiasts, this kind of scoring spree is what legends are made of, but it also raises questions: Is this just elite talent, or does it highlight gaps in the opponent's strategy?
Canadiens: Beyond the humiliating defeat, the night took a darker turn when forward Alex Newhook left the game with what appeared to be a right-leg injury. He collided hard into the end boards after being tripped by Dallas defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin early in the second period. Injuries like this are always concerning in a fast-paced sport, and here's where it gets controversial: Was Lyubushkin's play a rough but fair check, or did it cross the line into dangerous territory? Many fans debate whether such incidents should lead to stricter penalties to protect players' health.
KEY MOMENT
Right after Newhook's departure, Robertson delivered a brilliant heads-up breakout pass behind the Canadiens' defenders, sending Tyler Seguin on a breakaway to extend the lead to 3-0 at 7:10 in the second. This play epitomized the Stars' poise under pressure – a moment that turned the tide decisively.
And this is the part most people miss: Breakaway opportunities like this can change a game's momentum, reminding us how a single smart play can demoralize an entire team.
KEY STAT
The Stars have now won seven straight games at the Bell Centre, a streak that stretches back to October 30, 2018. For context, that's like a team owning a rival's home turf for years – a testament to Dallas's historical edge in Montreal.
UP NEXT
Canadiens: They'll host the Boston Bruins on Saturday, hoping to bounce back against another division powerhouse.
Stars: They'll welcome the Philadelphia Flyers to their home ice on Saturday, aiming to keep their winning momentum rolling.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Nov. 13, 2024.
Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press
What do you think? Was Robertson's performance a sign of the Stars' unstoppable season, or did the Canadiens' early struggles set the stage for disaster? And about that controversial injury – should the NHL crack down harder on trips that lead to such impacts? Share your thoughts in the comments below; let's discuss!
