Canadiens Struggle in Power Play, Lose 3-2 to Bruins in Rivalry Clash

Montreal Canadiens faced a disappointing defeat against the Boston Bruins, losing 3-2 at the Bell Centre on November 15, 2025. Despite an intense matchup that featured fierce fights and impressive goals, the Canadiens’ inability to capitalize on their power play opportunities became the defining factor of the game. Head coach Martin St. Louis did not shy away from highlighting this issue, stating, “The power play is obviously the story of the game.”

The Canadiens had seven chances to score on the power play, including two extended 5-on-3 advantages lasting 1:28 and 1:50, respectively. Surprisingly, the skilled unit comprising Lane Hutson, Noah Dobson, Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, and Nick Suzuki managed only two shots during these critical moments. Bruins forward David Pastrnak emphasized the importance of maintaining composure under pressure, saying, “You don’t score on five on three, you don’t deserve to win. Our guys did an amazing job killing it.”

After suffering lopsided defeats against the Los Angeles Kings and the Dallas Stars, where they were outscored 12-1, the Canadiens were eager to turn the tide. They outshot the Bruins 28-23 and pushed for an equalizer until the final moments. Despite their efforts, the loss marked the Canadiens’ third consecutive defeat on home ice and their fifth in six games, a stark contrast to their strong start, where they won nine of their first 12 games.

St. Louis commented on the team’s current state, stating, “We’re a little bit fragile right now. We want to flip it, and sometimes you have to calm down, calm your brain a little, because I think the effort is there.” Captain Nick Suzuki echoed these sentiments, noting that the team’s confidence is low, adversely impacting their performance both at even strength and during power plays. “When your touches aren’t confident, you’re not feeling like every play is open to you. It’s tough sometimes, but we’ve got a lot of talent in here. We’ve got to work through that,” Suzuki explained.

The Canadiens began the season with a power play efficiency of 30.8 percent over 13 games. However, they have struggled significantly since, failing to convert on their last five power play opportunities. St. Louis commented on the team’s current mindset, saying, “We’re gripping the stick a little bit, our reads are not clear, and when you want so much for it to work sometimes, you rush a little. We are not calm, I would say. We’ll look at that.”

Physicality and Rivalry Highlighted

The match also showcased the intense rivalry between the two teams, reminiscent of past encounters. Jayden Struble initiated a fight with Nikita Zadorov of the Bruins immediately after the opening faceoff, igniting the crowd at the Bell Centre. This set the tone for a highly physical game, with Arber Xhekaj also engaging in a fight with Tanner Jeannot shortly thereafter. Bruins head coach Marco Sturm remarked, “It felt like 4 Nations there for a little bit,” reflecting on the energetic atmosphere.

Struble explained his motivation for the early fight, stating, “I just thought I was going to get everyone going. See you go after a big guy, and Boston, too, Saturday night.” Zadorov added, “I mean, why not? Saturday night in Bell Centre, big rivalry. Used to be a big rivalry, so maybe it’s new again.”

Injury Concerns for the Bruins

Compounding the Bruins’ challenges, defenceman Charlie McAvoy left the game midway through the second period after being struck in the face by a slap shot from Dobson. The incident occurred at 11:01, when Dobson’s one-timer appeared to deflect off a teammate before hitting McAvoy. He immediately dropped to the ice, prompting medical staff to rush to his aid. Following the game, Sturm stated that McAvoy was “doing OK” and was undergoing necessary testing. “Try to get him home as soon as possible, hopefully tonight with us, but other than that, hopefully he will be OK,” Sturm commented, though he was unsure if McAvoy would require hospitalization.

As the Canadiens look to address their power play woes and regain their confidence, the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their trajectory for the rest of the season.