What Happened
Jake Evans recorded two goals and an assist to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. Evans' third point, a feed to Kaiden Guhle with 1:34 left in the second period, matched his career high. Connor Bedard opened the scoring 4:23 in, but Evans tied it late in the first and then put Montreal ahead with a short-handed goal 7:51 into the second. Mike Matheson added an empty-net goal with 2:38 remaining.
Key Details
- Evans scored his first goal of the game and season with 2:31 left in the first period to tie it at 1-1.
- Evans' second goal came short-handed 7:51 into the second period on a wrist shot over Spencer Knight's stick side.
- Guhle's goal from the left point was screened by Josh Anderson.
- Jacob Fowler made 20 saves, including three in the final period, despite five Chicago power plays.
- Montreal is 4-1-1 in its last six games; Chicago has lost two straight and four of its last six.
What It Means
The win continues a strong stretch for Montreal, which has earned points in five of its last six games. Evans' three-point night matched his career high and provided scoring depth behind the top lines. Chicago, meanwhile, has now lost four of its last six and struggled to generate chances after an early lead, managing only three shots on goal in the third period.
What's Next
Montreal travels to Winnipeg on Sunday for the outdoor Heritage Classic. Chicago's next game is not mentioned in the source.