This edition of the Hidden Game is dedicated to the Canadiens’ upper management team of Jeff Gorton, president of hockey operations, and general manager Kent Hughes. With honourable mention to head coach Martin St. Louis, who is pushing all the right buttons lately.
Philip Danault was misused in Los Angeles, held to five points in 29 games. So the Canadiens reacquired the centre in a trade and he produced three points in his first seven games.
The St. Louis Blues wanted to send winger Alexandre Texier to the minors. He balked and was put on unconditional waivers — subsequently signed by the Canadiens.
All Texier did Thursday night was score three goals, pacing Montreal to a 6-2 victory over the slumping Florida Panthers. This came 24 hours after Texier had a goal and two assists against Calgary in a 4-1 win.
We’re not denying playing on the Canadiens’ top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield will resuscitate any player’s career. On the other hand, we’d like a swig of whatever they’re filling the water bottles with in the dressing room.
“I think everyone believes they’re still good players,” Suzuki said. “They didn’t forget how to play hockey and play to their abilities. Our culture in our room helps guys be themselves. Everyone’s accepted. Some coaches and management stop believing in guys and they get moved. We’re happy to have those guys on our team.”
Florida Panthers defenceman Gustav Forsling (42) ties up Canadiens’ Alexandre Texier (85) as Panthers centre Evan Rodrigues (17) clears the puck in Montreal on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
Seven the hard way: We get Florida has been decimated by injuries this season, but the Panthers still remain the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. And your Canadiens have now defeated them in seven consecutive games. Go figure.
Lessons remain to be learned: Paul Maurice, Florida’s engaging and eloquent head coach, proved to be prophetic Thursday morning following the team’s optional practice. “Montreal is an evolving, changing, highly skilled team,” he said. “We’re still learning how to play against them.” Guess it’s back to the classroom.
News you need (Part I): The Canadiens’ record since Dec. 11 is 10-2-3.
Canadiens defenceman Noah Dobson (53) sends Florida Panthers centre Eetu Luostarinen (27) to the ice after Luostarinen in Montreal on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
Faceoff of the night: Oliver Kapanen beat Sam Bennett early in the first period, leading to Noah Dobson’s game-opening goal.
News you need (Part II): The goal was Dobson’s eighth this season. He scored 10 last season with the New York Islanders.
Stat of the night (Part I): Winger Mackie Samoskevich had five of Florida’s six first-period shots.
And yet … early in the second period, Samoskevich went around Jayden Struble, broke in alone and … missed the net.
Dumb penalty: Uvis Balinskis interfered with Caufield in the first period. The fact it was in the neutral zone made it a no-brainer.
Best kick-pass of the night: Juraj Slafkovsky — who else — took Jeff Petry into the boards, then promptly sent a pass with his skate to Kapanen, who provided the Canadiens with a 2-0 lead. It goes without saying former Alouettes’ place-kicker Terry Baker would have missed.
Best assist of the night: Since goaltenders rarely score, Samuel Montembeault did the next best thing. His blind, behind-the-back pass eluded Alexandre Carrier and was intercepted by Bennett, who scored Florida’s first goal. The official scorer failed to award Montembeault an assist on the play.
Shots are overrated: The Canadiens didn’t generate one in the second period until 13:41, but it resulted in Texier’s first goal.
Strange, but true: Not only did the Canadiens score two goals on two shots, they went 16:16 between the scores.
Sieve of the night: Sergei Bobrovsky was beaten on the second, eighth, ninth, 15th and 19th shots he faced. Montreal’s fifth goal was scored into an empty net. Bobrovsky’s save percentage was .737.
Stat of the night (Part II): Of the Canadiens’ 12 shots through 40 minutes, Dobson had four, while Texier had three.
Great moments in officiating: Danault was called for high-sticking against Anton Lundell in the third period. But we noticed two things on the play — Danault’s stick wasn’t above his shoulders and it didn’t actually make contact with Lundell. Otherwise, we have no problem with the call.
Where goals go to die: While the Canadiens were shorthanded, Kapanen and Joe Veleno had a two-man breakaway. Kapanen passed to Veleno, who was stopped. He remains stuck on two goals.
The guy could do no wrong: Texier and Caufield had a two-on-one break in the third period. Texier attempted a pass to Caufield. It was broken up by Donovan Sebrango and went directly back to Texier. Of course, he scored.
Best penalty of the night: Bennett emerged from his slashing minor and scored Florida’s second goal 11 seconds later.
Hit of the night: Arber Xhekaj — who else — demolished Jack Studnicka late in the third period.
We’re not sure if it was a curve or slider: But Texier displayed tremendous hand-eye co-ordination, knocking the puck out of mid-air on his third goal.
News you need (Part III): Montreal rookies have scored 26 goals — the most in the NHL. Kapanen has 15 of them. He has the most goals among NHL freshmen.
Next time, decline the penalty: The Canadiens went 0-for-4 on the power play. Florida was no better, failing to capitalize on three opportunities.
Quick stats: Texier had six shots. Dobson had four shots and three blocks. Samuel Blais, despite only 7:36 of ice time, had five hits — one less than Xhekaj, who played only 8:37. Carrier blocked six shots, while Kapanen had four blocks. Mike Matheson played 25:50. Montembeault, who has won three consecutive games since his AHL Laval conditioning stint, had a .926 save percentage. The Canadiens won only 42.4 per cent of their faceoffs. Each team had 18 hits.
They said it: “He (Texier) has been a great piece since we got him,” Suzuki said. “He’s been through some struggles over the years. I think he has found a good spot here and is playing some really good hockey right now.
“I thought it was one of our most-complete back-to-back games,” he added.
“It’s just the opportunity they gave me,” Texier said. “You’ve got to take it when they give you something.”
“Obviously, I made a bad pass,” Montembeault admitted. “It was a bit too far ahead of Carrier. I stopped all the pucks before that. The guys were playing well, so I wanted to be there for them. I’m happy with the game but, obviously, that goal I’d like to take back. It happens. It was a mistake. It was my first game at the Bell Centre in a very long time. I was a bit nervous at the beginning.”
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