After exploding for seven targets in opposition to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, the Canadiens offence sputtered in opposition to the St. Louis Blues in a 2-0 shutout loss on Saturday afternoon at Enterprise Middle.
Contemporary from being named to the Canadian Olympic workforce, Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington made 25 saves for the win. On the different finish, Jacob Fowler stopped 17 of 19 photographs he confronted.
Montreal’s energy play was stored at bay in a 0-4 efficiency, together with a 1:37 two-man benefit within the second interval the Blues efficiently weathered. The Blues additionally scored a short-handed purpose.
There was even a Canada vs. Canada theft with Binnington getting the pad out on future Olympic teammate Nick Suzuki.
Nick Suzuki needed to present future Olympic teammate Jordan Binnington some respect for that save 👏 pic.twitter.com/71Ib69WJiB
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 3, 2026
Listed below are the 2 targets from the Blues.
Jonatan Berggren opened scoring at 10:48 of the primary interval, beating Fowler with a one-timer blast.
Stunning shot, beautiful-er end. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/AzPCpfUibw
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) January 3, 2026
Within the second interval, Robert Thomas scored shorthanded, whereas additionally undressing Ivan Demidov, to present the Blues a 2-0 lead.
What an effort by Robert Thomas for the shorthanded purpose 😤 pic.twitter.com/Cz6LcQMhOc
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 3, 2026
However ultimately, it was all about Binnington, who the Habs couldn’t clear up.
Jordan Binnington, everyone. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/kVp3ajNBgE
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) January 3, 2026
Saturday’s loss was the primary in regulation on Montreal’s present seven-game street journey. With yet another street recreation on the sked Sunday in opposition to the Dallas Stars, the Canadiens have a document of 3-1-2 since hitting the street Dec. 21.
Mike Matheson was a late scratch on Thursday after taking an elbow from Brad Marchand in opposition to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. He returned to the lineup and performed 21:22.
After flashing some high-octane offence in December and the brand new 12 months, Saturday’s recreation in St. Louis was a disappointment on the scoresheet and Hockey Stat Playing cards’ report card, which was gentle on standout performances except for the pairing of Lane Hutson and Alexandre Service.
Former Blues forwards Sammy Blais, Zachary Bolduc and Alexandre Texier might have been further motivated coming in, however Binnington shut down any shot at revenge.
NHL GameScore Influence Card for Montreal Canadiens on 2026-01-03: pic.twitter.com/65fgo0uTyc
— HockeyStatCards (@hockeystatcards) January 3, 2026
There are nonetheless three goalies on the roster, and Fowler didn’t precisely do something in opposition to St. Louis to deserve being despatched all the way down to the Laval Rocket, even when that looks like the seemingly situation. Samuel Montembeault seemed like his outdated self once more in Florida, whereas Jakub Dobes bought the win in a chaotic recreation in Carolina.
The one factor that appears sure is the three-headed goalie scenario can’t final prefer it did through the Montembeault-Jake Allen-Cayden Primeau season.
Associated
Todd: At dwelling on the street, younger Canadiens revise vacation narrative
Canadiens’ Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson left off U.S. Olympic workforce
Hidden Sport: Canadiens proceed successful street methods at Carolina
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