The Montreal Canadiens used a dominant middle frame to overpower the Calgary Flames, skating to a convincing 4-1 victory on home ice Wednesday night. The game, played on January 7, 2026, saw the Habs break open a tight contest with a three-goal outburst in the second period.
Second Period Surge Seals the Deal
After a scoreless first period, the Canadiens found their rhythm in the second. The offensive flurry overwhelmed Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, who was under constant pressure. The Habs' relentless attack transformed a defensive stalemate into a commanding lead, leaving the visiting team scrambling to respond.
One of the key moments in the period was a goal by Oliver Kapanen. Kapanen found the back of the net, with Calgary defender Yan Kuznetsov looking on helplessly. The sequence, captured by The Canadian Press photographer Graham Hughes, epitomized Montreal's offensive control during the decisive twenty minutes.
Flames Unable to Mount a Comeback
The Calgary Flames managed to get on the board, but a single goal was not enough to challenge the Canadiens' lead. The team struggled to generate sustained offensive pressure after Montreal's second-period explosion. Despite efforts to claw back into the game, the Flames' defense could not contain the Habs' multifaceted attack.
The final score of 4-1 reflected Montreal's comprehensive performance. The win provided a boost for the Canadiens as they continue their season schedule, while the Flames were left to analyze a game that slipped away in a short span.
Looking Ahead for Both Clubs
This regular-season matchup adds another chapter to the history between these two Canadian franchises. For Montreal, the victory is a positive step built on a period of exceptional hockey. For Calgary, the loss highlights areas needing adjustment as they seek consistency on the road.
The game result stands as a clear example of how quickly momentum can shift in the NHL, with a single period often determining the outcome. Both teams will now turn their focus to their next opponents, carrying the lessons from this January night at the Bell Centre.
