What Happened
Cole Caufield and Alex Newhook each scored two goals as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Dallas Stars 5-2 on Thursday night. Jakub Dobes stopped 17 shots to earn his first win since opening night. Phillip Danault added an empty-net goal and an assist. Montreal has now won four consecutive games, all in Central Division arenas, and improved to 4-0 without captain Nick Suzuki.
Key Details
- Caufield opened the scoring 7:24 into the first period.
- Newhook broke a 1-1 tie late in the first; Caufield scored again 27 seconds later.
- Newhook's second goal came early in the second period.
- Danault sealed it with an empty-net goal.
- Jake Oettinger allowed a season-most four goals on 20 shots.
- Wyatt Johnston had a goal and an assist; Jamie Benn also scored for Dallas.
What It Means
Montreal's four-game run has come entirely on the road in Central Division buildings, and it has done so without captain Nick Suzuki, sidelined two-to-four weeks with an upper-body injury since Oct. 20. Dobes delivered a needed result after allowing 20 goals across his four previous outings. Dallas, which had won five straight before Tuesday's 5-1 home loss to New Jersey, saw Oettinger give up a season-high four goals.
What's Next
Montreal continues its road schedule while Suzuki remains out; the team has not announced a return date beyond the reported two-to-four-week window. Dallas looks to regroup after consecutive home losses.