devils vs canadiens

Montreal Canadiens Extend Winning Streak to Eight Games with Shootout Victory Over New Jersey Devils

Montreal, CA — April 5, 2026
In a thrilling NHL showdown at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the Montreal Canadiens capped off an eight-game winning streak with a dramatic 4-3 shootout victory over their Atlantic Division rivals, the New Jersey Devils. The win not only solidified the Canadiens’ playoff position but also reignited hopes among fans that this young, dynamic roster might be building toward something special.

A Night of High-Stakes Hockey and Historic Momentum

Saturday night’s game was more than just another regular-season matchup—it was a statement. With both teams vying for crucial positioning in the tight Atlantic Division race, every goal mattered. The Canadiens entered the contest riding high after securing their seventh consecutive win just days earlier, while the Devils remained within striking distance of catching them.

The game itself lived up to its billing. After regulation ended in a 2-2 deadlock, overtime failed to produce a winner, sending the teams into a shootout—a format where skill, composure, and nerves are tested under immense pressure.

It was defenseman Oliver Kapanen who sealed the deal for Montreal, scoring in the fifth round to secure the decisive victory. His goal capped off an impressive performance by the Canadiens’ blue line, led by standout rookie Jayden Struble, who had opened the scoring in the first period.

“We knew we had to come out strong tonight,” said Kapanen postgame. “These guys [Devils] are always tough at home, especially in shootouts. But our group has been finding ways to win—whether it’s in regulation or in these tiebreakers. That’s what good teams do.”

The victory propelled Montreal into second place in the Atlantic Division, tied with Buffalo Sabres on points, though the Canadiens hold the tiebreaker due to head-to-head results. More importantly, the win marked the longest active winning streak in the NHL as of April 4, 2026, giving the franchise its best run since the early 2000s.

Timeline: Key Moments from the Canadiens’ Surge

This stretch of victories has transformed what many considered a rebuilding year into a legitimate playoff push. The Canadiens clinched their postseason berth earlier this week when the Detroit Red Wings lost to Minnesota, eliminating any mathematical possibility of missing the playoffs.

Context: Why This Run Matters

Historically, the rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils dates back decades, rooted in Eastern Conference battles and memorable playoff clashes from the 1990s. While the Devils have dominated much of the recent history—winning Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2018—the Canadiens have struggled through years of transition following the retirement of longtime captain Shea Weber and the departure of key veterans.

However, under general manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis, the team has embraced a fast-paced, puck-possession style centered around emerging stars like Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and goaltender Samuel Montembeault. The current winning streak is not just about luck—it reflects disciplined coaching, improved defensive structure, and clutch performances in high-leverage situations.

Moreover, the Atlantic Division remains one of the most competitive in the league. Teams like Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Carolina Hurricanes are all within striking distance, making each point precious. By defeating both the Devils and Rangers during this surge, Montreal demonstrated resilience against elite competition.

Immediate Impact: Playoff Positioning and Fan Morale

For the Canadiens organization, the immediate effect of this eight-game streak is twofold. First, they’ve locked up a playoff spot for the first time since the 2014–15 season. Second, they’ve closed the gap on division leaders, moving within three points of the top seed—with games in hand.

Off the ice, the mood in Montreal has shifted dramatically. Ticket sales for remaining home games have spiked, social media engagement has surged, and merchandise stores report record demand for jerseys featuring Caufield and Kapanen. The “Call of the Wilde”—a reference to the Canadiens’ new alternate logo adopted in 2024—has become a rallying cry among fans.

“You can feel it in the arena now,” said longtime season-ticket holder Marie Tremblay. “After so many lean years, there’s real belief again. This isn’t just a hot streak—this feels like a movement.”

Future Outlook: Can the Momentum Continue?

Looking ahead, the Canadiens face a critical stretch. They host the Devils again Sunday afternoon to complete the home-and-home set, then travel to Washington to take on the Capitals before closing the season against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres—both potential playoff opponents.

Key questions remain: - Can Cole Caufield reach 50 goals? He currently sits at 48, trailing only Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in the Art Ross race. - Will Samuel Montembeault maintain his .924 save percentage? - How will the team respond to potential injuries or fatigue over the final 11 games?

Analysts suggest that if the Canadiens sustain their current form, they could finish as high as third in the Atlantic—potentially drawing a less daunting opponent in the first round of the playoffs. However, consistency remains the biggest hurdle; past playoff-caliber runs by Montreal have often collapsed under pressure.

“They’ve shown they can compete with anyone right now,” noted TSN analyst Craig Button. “But the test won’t come until May. Until then, they must keep winning—not just to secure seeding, but to build confidence.”

Conclusion: A Season Defined by Resurgence

As the Canadiens prepare for their final homestand, one thing is clear: the narrative has shifted dramatically from “rebuilding” to “reloading.” An eight-game winning streak against quality opposition is no fluke. It speaks to talent, coaching, and perhaps most importantly—belief.

With the Stanley Cup playoffs looming just weeks away, Montreal’s latest triumph over New Jersey may end up being remembered not just as another regular-season highlight, but as the moment when the Canadiens rediscovered their identity and reminded hockey fans across Canada why the name “Canadiens” still carries weight in the modern NHL.

For now, in Montreal and beyond, the message is simple: the streak continues.