Domination by Bolduc Fuels Canadiens' 4-1 Victory Over Blackhawks

Post by : Mina Rahman

On Thursday night, Zachary Bolduc emerged as the standout player, scoring two pivotal goals to lead the Montreal Canadiens to an impressive 4-1 win against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Bell Centre. Lane Hutson also made headlines, assisting on Bolduc's opening goal and setting a franchise record of 60 assists for a defenceman within a single year.

The Blackhawks struck first as Frank Nazar redirected a pass past Canadiens' goalie Jakub Dobes just 7:27 into the opening period. This initial shot from Chicago exploited a short lapse in Montreal’s defensive play. However, the Canadiens quickly regained their momentum and took command of the match.

Cole Caufield showcased his skill by executing a perfect play behind the net, allowing Bolduc to unleash a powerful one-timer from the slot at 14:23 to equalize. This goal was not only Bolduc's first at the Bell Centre this season but also his eighth overall, thrilling the home crowd. The 22-year-old from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, celebrated joyously after this milestone.

Bolduc struck again early in the third period, scoring just 20 seconds in with a critical deflection that put the Canadiens ahead 2-1. Noah Dobson later chased down a loose puck, increasing the lead to 3-1 at the ten-minute mark. Nick Suzuki capped off the night with an empty-net goal, securing a definitive 4-1 win.

Montreal's Jakub Dobes came away with 14 saves, while Spencer Knight recorded 32 stops for Chicago, which is now on a four-game losing streak. The Blackhawks felt the absence of star center Connor Bedard, a gap that Montreal exploited throughout the matchup.

Strategic decisions by the Canadiens' coach emerged as a significant storyline. Despite two of Montreal's goals being overturned for offside, Chicago also lost a goal to goalie interference, highlighting the importance of bench management.

Another highlight of the game was Lane Hutson, who provided the assist on Bolduc's first goal, breaking a franchise record and becoming the first Montreal defenseman to achieve 60 assists in a calendar year. Hutson also logged 26:19 of ice time, showing resilience in light of veteran Mike Matheson's absence.

The Canadiens dominated the shot count at 35-15, asserting their control over the game for extended periods. Although Nazar ended a 21-game goal drought, the Blackhawks struggled to keep pace with Montreal's swiftness and accuracy.

Montreal's triumph showcased exceptional teamwork and highlighted Bolduc's rising influence on the team. With Hutson setting records and critical contributors stepping up, the Canadiens are emerging as a formidable contender in the NHL this season.