Match canadien is underway in Anaheim and the score is tied 2-2 in the second period as a disputed early goal, multiple lineup changes and Samuel Montembeault starting in net have set a breathless tone for the road trip. Arber Xhekaj is back in the lineup while Juraj Slafkovsky returns to the first line, reshuffling the forward groups. The Canadiens and Ducks traded rapid goals in a frantic opening that included a goal overturned for a tight offside.
Match Canadien lineup shakeup and immediate drama
The Canadiens opened the game with several confirmed adjustments observed at practice: Juraj Slafkovsky was reunited on the first trio with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, while Alex Newhook slotted onto the second line with Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov. Kirby Dach was expected on the third unit with Jake Evans and Zachary Bolduc. Samuel Montembeault drew the start in goal, and Arber Xhekaj returned to the lineup in place of Jayden Struble.
The Ducks countered with Lukas Dostal in net; newly acquired Ducks defenseman John Carlson will not be in uniform tonight. The match canadien began in hectic fashion: an offside challenge wiped out an early sequence that briefly appeared to give Anaheim the lead after a long-range Trouba shot surprised Montembeault, and that call was overturned because of a very tight offside.
Score and key moments — rapid reply and lead changes
Cutter Gauthier broke the ice for the Ducks 39 seconds into the game with a one-timer on a cross-ice pass from Leo Carlsson, marking the 32nd goal of his season. Less than a minute later Nick Suzuki answered 22 seconds after Gauthier’s strike with his 20th of the campaign; Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield were credited with assists on the tying sequence.
Lane Hutson pushed Montreal back ahead at 3: 33 of the first period with his 11th of the season while Carlsson was serving a penalty. Radko Gudas then evened the score again with a long-range shot in mid-first. The scoreboard reads 2-2 at the start of the second period, leaving the remainder of the game wide open.
Immediate reactions and coach’s remarks
Martin St-Louis, coach of the Canadiens, said the trade-deadline day did not fundamentally alter his preparation for the match but acknowledged lineup uncertainty earlier in the day. He described checking in with management for updates and waiting to finalize his roster. “For me, it didn’t really change anything. We had meetings this morning, we prepared for the game. I didn’t know my exact lineup this morning, I had to wait, ” St-Louis said. “I went into their offices a few times for updates, but I didn’t spend a lot of time with them. “
Quick context and what’s next
This road game continues the Canadiens’ California swing following recent play and the league’s trade-deadline activity. With the second period underway and the score level, attention will turn to whether Montembeault can hold the fort in net and how the reunited first line will perform against Anaheim’s depth.
Next developments to watch: lineup confirmations through the remainder of the game, any further special-teams impact after the early penalty sequence, and how both starters respond as the contest moves toward the third period. The live score remains 2-2 entering the middle frame, and the match canadien will pivot on execution and goaltending down the stretch.
