Bolduc’s 2 Goals Lead Canadiens to 4-1 Win Over Blackhawks

Montreal Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc stole the show on Thursday night, scoring twice to propel the Canadiens to a commanding 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at the Bell Centre. Lane Hutson also delivered a standout performance with three assists, including one on Bolduc’s opening goal, achieving a historic milestone for the franchise.

The Blackhawks drew first blood as Frank Nazar redirected a pass past Montreal goalie Jakub Dobes just 7:27 into the opening period. It was Chicago’s very first shot of the night and exposed a brief lapse in Montreal’s defense. Despite the early setback, the Canadiens quickly regained composure and took control of the game.

Montreal’s Cole Caufield dazzled with a smooth move behind the net, setting up Bolduc for a powerful one-timer from the slot at 14:23, tying the game. The goal marked Bolduc’s first at the Bell Centre this season and his eighth overall, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The 22-year-old from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, celebrated emphatically after his milestone goal.

The Canadiens extended their lead early in the third period when Bolduc scored his second goal just 20 seconds in, a timely deflection that put Montreal ahead 2-1. Noah Dobson later chased down a loose puck to make it 3-1 at the 10-minute mark, and Nick Suzuki added an empty-net goal to seal the 4-1 triumph.

Jakub Dobes made 14 saves for Montreal, while Spencer Knight stopped 32 shots for Chicago, which has now dropped four consecutive games. The Blackhawks were missing star center Connor Bedard, a gap Montreal exploited effectively throughout the match.

A key storyline involved the Canadiens’ coach’s challenges. Montreal had two goals overturned for offside, while Chicago lost one goal due to goalie interference, showcasing the impact of strategic bench decisions.

Lane Hutson set a new franchise record by assisting on Bolduc’s first goal, becoming the first Canadiens defenseman to record 60 assists in a single calendar year. Hutson led Montreal with 26:19 of ice time despite the absence of veteran Mike Matheson.

The Canadiens dominated the shot count 35-15, controlling play for much of the game. Chicago’s Nazar celebrated ending a 21-game goal drought, but otherwise, the Blackhawks struggled to match Montreal’s pace and precision.

Montreal’s victory highlighted strong teamwork and the growing influence of Bolduc in the lineup. With Hutson breaking records and key players stepping up, the Canadiens continue to emerge as a formidable force in the NHL this season.