All things considered, the Montreal Canadiens are having a solid start to their 2025-26 NHL season. That’s despite already picking up two losses, including a 6-5 heartbreaker at the hands of Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Thursday night.
Montreal looked as though it was coasting to its seventh win of the season when it extended its lead to 5-3 on a goal by Alex Newhook just two minutes into the third period. But the Oilers got big breaks after that, with the Canadiens being called for penalties that resulted in two goals on the power play by Edmonton.
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Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) makes a save on Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield (13) during the second period at Rogers Place. Perry Nelson-Imagn ImagesPerry Nelson-Imagn Images
Leon Draisaitl cut the Habs’ lead down to 5-4 before Ryan Nugent-Hopkins converted another opportunity on the man advantage to tie the score. Then, with just under two minutes left in regulation, Vasily Podkolzin scored the game-winning goal for Edmonton, which stayed undefeated at home.
Canadiens star Cole Caufield expressed his displeasure over the game’s officiating.
“Refs kind of took over the game there, and kudos to them for winning it,” Caufield said after the game (h/t Sportsnet’s Eric Engels).
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When it was all said and done on the ice, the Canadiens lost the possession battle to Edmonton, which had 29 shots on goal to only 27 from the Habs.
Montreal was called for six penalties, resulting in a 2-for-5 showing on the power play by the Oilers, while Edmonton had only one penalty, as the Canadiens went scoreless in their only power play chance. Caufield’s two-goal night also went for naught, with his team suffering its second loss in four games.
Nevertheless, Montreal is still looking strong with a 6-3-0 slate for 12 points through nine games — the best record and the most points in the Atlantic Division this season.
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As for McDavid and the Oilers, who are the reigning Western Conference champions, they are now on a two-game winning streak after suffering three consecutive losses.
Related: Are the Montreal Canadiens Building the Next NHL Superteam?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.