Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes: Did Jakub Dobes’ 41 saves flip the third period?

The Montreal Canadiens moved to 39-21-10 with 5 points, while the Carolina Hurricanes came in at 45-20-6 with 2 points, as Montreal took it 5-2 at Bell Centre. The Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes final score reflected Montreal’s 26 percent shooting on 19 shots and Jakub Dobes turning aside 41 of 43 Hurricanes shots in a home game attended by 20,962.

First period

The Canadiens opened the scoring with 1 goal in the first period while the Hurricanes posted 2 goals in the opening period. The Habs finished the night even on faceoffs at 50 percent with 31 wins in 62 draws, matching the Canes at 31. The Hurricanes generated 19 hits in the game and used 16 giveaways in the first-period push that produced their 2-goal start.

Second period

The Canadiens answered with 2 goals in the second period, building their offense at even strength where they finished with 5 goals and 7 assists. Ivan Demidov, one of the game’s 3 stars, recorded 2 points on 1 goal and 1 assist while scoring on his lone shot. Juraj Slafkovský posted 2 points on 1 goal and 1 assist while finishing plus-2 in the same game. Montreal’s power play went 0-for-3 with 3 shots, while Carolina’s penalty kill held firm on those 3 opportunities.

Third period

The Canadiens added 2 goals in the third period, including 1 empty-net goal, to create separation on a night they blocked 23 shots. Dobes earned the win with 41 saves, and his line included 37 even-strength saves as Carolina poured 38 even-strength shots toward him. Jake Evans contributed a goal on 2 shots, and Cole Caufield delivered 2 points on 1 goal and 1 assist on 2 shots as Montreal converted 5 of 19. The Hurricanes went 1-for-2 on the power play with 4 shots, and their 43-shot total still ended with a 5 percent shooting rate.

Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes turning point

The Canadiens’ 4-goal swing after the first period aligned with their 12 giveaways staying below Carolina’s 16 while they finished with 22 hits and 4 takeaways. The Hurricanes blocked 11 shots and recorded 24 blocked attempts, but Montreal’s even-strength finishing decided the Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes scoreline review.

Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes final thoughts

The Canadiens closed the game at 5:55:01 total ice time as a team and left with a 20 plus-minus mark, while the Hurricanes ended at minus-21. The Hurricanes’ goaltending line showed 14 saves on 18 shots and 4 goals against, while Montreal’s netfront work and empty-netter set the tone for Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes final thoughts.

The Canadiens are back at Bell Centre in Montreal on 3/26/2026 at 7:00 PM EDT against the Columbus Blue Jackets, with the broadcast listed on ESPN+ and FDSOH. Keep it locked for the next recap, and share this article with other Habs fans.