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According to game reports from regional sports networks, Slafkovský found the back of the net and displayed strong chemistry alongside linemate Ivan Demidov during the lopsided matchup.
Montreal Secures 5-0 Shutout Victory Over Ottawa in Preseason Action
The matchup at the Canadian Tire Centre quickly escalated from a routine exhibition game into a physical contest filled with misconducts and penalties. According to play-by-play accounts from Sportnet, the Canadiens capitalized on special teams and sustained offensive zone pressure to pull away from their divisional rivals. Czech goaltender Jakub Dobeš turned aside every shot he faced to secure a clean sheet for Montreal, anchoring a defensive effort that kept Ottawa off the scoreboard.
Montreal’s offense clicked across multiple lines. Forward Kirby Dach sparked the attack in the middle frame, setting up linemates before burying a goal of his own at 9:23 of the third period off feeds from Brendan Gallagher and Lane Hutson. Hutson also added a power-play marker early in the third period, snapping a quick shot past the Ottawa defense immediately following a Dach faceoff win.
Physicality and Penalties Dominate the Second and Third Periods
The contest turned volatile during the middle and final frames, featuring numerous fights and major penalties. Officials handed out multiple misconducts as tensions boiled over between the two rosters. In the second period, an altercation involving several players—including Arber Xhekaj, Florian Xhekaj, Zack MacEwen, and Jan Jeník—resulted in simultaneous fighting majors and game misconducts. Similar skirmishes broke out later in the third period, forcing both coaching staffs to navigate heavily depleted benches.
Alexandre Carrier added to the lead in the second period with a wrist shot from the left circle following a cross-ice feed from Gallagher, while Oliver Kapanen and Patrik Laine also applied steady pressure throughout the evening.
Slafkovský and Demidov Show Early Chemistry
For Montreal fans and analysts tracking the roster’s development, the performance of Slafkovský remained a central talking point. According to reports from Slovak outlets including Denník N and Sportnet, the young forward displayed high-end intensity and seamless combination play alongside Demidov.
While the Canadiens celebrated a comprehensive victory and a strong outing from their prospects, the team turns its focus toward the remaining exhibition fixtures before the regular-season opener. The Canadiens continue their preseason preparations with upcoming games designed to finalize line combinations and roster cuts ahead of the 2025-26 NHL campaign.
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