The Montreal Canadiens made a triumphant return to home ice on Wednesday night, dispelling a common NHL theory with a convincing 4-1 victory over the visiting Calgary Flames. Playing at the Bell Centre for the first time in 18 days following a successful seven-game road trip, the Habs bucked the trend that suggests the first game back is the most difficult.
Defying the Odds on Home Ice
Many around the league consider the initial home game after an extended road trip a significant challenge, but the Canadiens rendered that notion moot with a relatively easy win. The victory was particularly notable given the team's historical struggle in such situations; since 2017, their record in home games following the Christmas and New Year's road trip was a dismal 2-5-0.
The game's narrative was set early. Alexandre Texier opened the scoring in the second period, a goal that held special significance as it marked the 100th point of his NHL career. "If you play the right way, if you work hard, be positive no matter what, you're going to have some results," Texier said post-game. "I'm pretty happy — especially here in Montreal." He later praised the home crowd, stating, "My ears were hurting from it. The people here are incredible."
Key Plays and Player Performances
Texier's milestone goal ignited the Canadiens' offense. Shortly after, Phillip Danault, recently acquired from Los Angeles, emerged from the penalty box and set up Lane Hutson for Montreal's second goal. Rookie Oliver Kapanen then potted his 14th of the season, converting a rebound from a Juraj Slafkovsky chance to stake the Habs to a 3-0 lead. Kapanen's goal moved him into a tie for the most goals among NHL rookies.
Cole Caufield rounded out the scoring for Montreal with the team's fourth goal. In net, goaltender Jacob Fowler was stellar, turning aside all but one shot for a .966 save percentage. "Oh my god, it was just insane," Fowler remarked about the atmosphere. Caufield echoed the sentiment, saying, "It feels good to be back home. You could tell, the crowd missed us a little bit."
Flames' Struggles Continue
For the Calgary Flames, the loss extended their losing skid to three games and cast a shadow over a promising December. The team, which appears poised for a rebuild, now faces a daunting five-game road trip. Goaltender Dustin Wolf, a Calder Trophy candidate last season, had a tough night, posting an .886 save percentage and being beaten on four of the first 26 shots he faced.
The Flames' woes were compounded by a lack of power-play success, going 0-for-4 on the night. A potential second goal by Nazem Kadri in the third period was correctly waved off after a video review determined he was offside. The game also featured a memorable NHL debut for Flames forward William Stromgren, who was met with a heavy hit from Montreal's Arber Xhekaj early in the contest. "Xhekaj is playing really well lately. But tonight, it was even better," said Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis.
The win improves Montreal's record as they continue to chip away at their season-long second-period goal differential, which now stands at 54-45 against. The Canadiens' next challenge will be to build on this dominant homecoming performance as they continue their 2025-26 campaign.
