Columbus arrived at Centre Bell and buried Montreal under a first-period avalanche they never recovered from, turning a playoff-race road game into a demolition built on shot dominance and systemic faceoff control.
⚡TURNING POINT
Coyle's power-play goal at 9:59 of the third restored the three-goal margin moments after Caufield's PP tally had briefly injected life into the building. With that cushion re-established and only ten minutes remaining, Montreal's path to a comeback was mathematically and psychologically closed.
🏆WHY CBJ WON
•
Columbus won 55.6% of faceoffs, generating consistent offensive-zone possession that produced 33 shots against a team that managed only 22 — that volume advantage was the structural engine behind all five goals.
•
Five takeaways against one created extended transition opportunities; CBJ converted early and often, scoring twice in the first 5:42 to set a tone Montreal could never reverse.
•
Greaves conceded 0.20 goals below average on 22 shots — in a 5-goal game, that margin held when Montreal pushed late.
📉WHY MTL LOST
•
Dobes conceded 1.70 goals above average on 33 shots — in a 3-goal game that was decided in regulation, that margin was the difference between a contest and a blowout.
•
Montreal generated only 22 shots and a single takeaway, meaning they never sustained the offensive zone time required to manufacture consistent pressure.
•
A 44.4% faceoff rate compounded every defensive breakdown, repeatedly handing Columbus possession resets in favorable ice.
Three Stars
Charlie Coyle1st
CBJ, C
2G2P6 SOG21:53 TOI
His two goals — including the power-play clincher — bookended Columbus's scoring and directly sealed the outcome.
Kirill Marchenko2nd
CBJ, R
1G1A2P4 SOG17:12 TOI
His point on the Coyle PP goal and his own even-strength marker extended the lead each time Montreal threatened to respond.
Boone Jenner3rd
CBJ, C
1G3 SOG18:24 TOI
His goal 73 seconds in set the tone before Montreal had established any defensive structure.
"
Columbus won this game in the first six minutes and spent the next 54 defending a lead Montreal's shot volume and goaltending margin never gave them the tools to erase.
