Kyle Connor shone in the Winnipeg Jets' 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, scoring two goals, including a crucial one just before the second period ended. His teammate David Gustafsson's aggressive forecheck set up the goal with only 1.5 seconds left, putting the Jets ahead 3-1. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis lamented the lapse in defensive coverage at a critical moment, calling it a painful mistake.

Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was instrumental, making 24 saves, especially during the Canadiens' strong opening moments. Mark Scheifele, amid jeers from the crowd for a past incident, also contributed with a goal. The win marks the Jets' fourth consecutive victory.

The Montreal Canadiens faced a tough battle against the Dallas Stars, ultimately losing 2-1 in a shootout after a demanding back-to-back game. Despite the outcome, the team's morale remained high as they have shown significant improvement, now sitting in playoff contention after climbing from the Eastern Conference basement. Head coach Martin St. Louis praised his team's consistency and commitment to their game plan, noting that they played a mature game even when not at their best.

Montreal's latest performance came on the heels of a 3-2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals, showcasing their resilience. The Canadiens' Patrik Laine scored the team's only goal during a power play, while their goaltender Sam Montembeault delivered a strong performance with 34 saves. The close game highlighted the Canadiens' progress in developing a disciplined and effective style of play.

Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, is emphasizing prudence as his team enjoys a resurgence, moving from the bottom of the NHL standings to playoff contention. After a dismal start, where the Canadiens recorded just 8 wins in their first 24 games, they've turned the season around with a 19-18-3 record and an impressive run, winning eight of their last ten outings.

This turnaround aligns with Hughes' strategic shift, trading for veteran defenseman Alexandre Carrier, which has bolstered the team's defensive strength. Hughes remains cautious about the trade deadline, indicating that the team's performance over the next 22 games will influence whether they become buyers or sellers.

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes remains cautious as his team has surged from the NHL basement into playoff contention, currently sitting one game above .500. With a recent performance of eight wins in ten games, Hughes acknowledges the team's improvement but stresses that they haven't accomplished anything significant yet.

The Canadiens, having struggled at the start of the season, now find themselves in the playoff mix thanks in part to a strategic trade that brought veteran defenceman Alexandre Carrier into the fold. Hughes is still evaluating whether to buy or sell at the upcoming trade deadline, emphasizing a long-term vision for building a competitive team.

Lane Hutson’s determination shined as he returned to Montreal after a long road trip, only to dazzle in a critical game against the Vancouver Canucks. Hutson tallied a goal and two assists, all crucial in the third period and overtime, as the Canadiens fought back to win 5-4, solidifying their playoff position.

The Canadiens, invigorated by a successful road trip, showcased resilience, overcoming a three-goal deficit. Hutson’s contributions came at a pivotal moment, including assisting on the equalizer and netting the game-winning setup for Nick Suzuki.