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The Montreal Canadiens led the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0 after the first period of their NHL matchup on Tuesday night, with Alex Newhook scoring both goals for the visiting team, Šport.sk reported.
First-period play was marked by physicality and strong goaltending. Toronto defenseman Troy Stecher was assessed a 2-minute penalty for boarding at the 17:25 mark, while Newhook capitalized on Montreal’s opportunities. The Canadiens’ Jacob Fowler was tested often, making a key save on Auston Matthews in the final minute of the period.
Newhook Powers Canadiens’ First-Period Surge
Montreal’s first goal came at the 13:06 mark, with Newhook finishing a play assisted by Kaiden Guhle and Kirby Dach. The Canadiens extended their lead to 2-0 at the 5:56 mark when Newhook scored again, this time with Oliver Kapanen credited with the assist, according to Šport.sk’s live coverage.
For Toronto, William Nylander came close to opening the scoring in the first period. His wrist shot from the right circle at the 7:58 mark hit the far post, keeping the Maple Leafs off the scoreboard. Earlier in the period, Montreal’s Alexandre Texier generated a scoring chance that forced Toronto goaltender Sergej Bobrovskij to make a quick save with his blocker.
Slafkovský Contained, Focus on Physical Play
Montreal forward Juraj Slafkovský, playing on the team’s top line with captain Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, had a scoring opportunity in the first period. His shot from the high slot was stopped cleanly by Bobrovskij, as noted by Šport.sk’s live report. Pravda highlighted scrutiny of Slafkovský's game.
Pravda reported that Anthony Martineau, a hockey expert for Canadian television network TVA Sports, expressed concern about Slafkovský’s current form. Martineau noted that while the Slovak forward possesses the physical tools to be a dominant player, his slow starts to seasons have become a pattern. “The fact that he constantly starts his seasons at a slow pace is no longer an excuse, but a reality,” Martineau wrote on social media. He also pointed to a significant drop in Slafkovský’s physical play, stating the forward is 15th on the Canadiens in hits this season, a stark contrast to the 105 hits he recorded in 82 games last season.
Despite the criticism, Martineau remains confident in Slafkovský’s potential. “I believe in his ability to bounce back and I know he is capable of elite performance,” Martineau added, referencing his previous dominant showings, as reported by Pravda.
Lineups Return to Full Strength
Both teams entered the game with key players returning to the lineup after injuries. Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares, back after a three-week absence, and Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki were both in their respective starting rosters, as confirmed by the live game reports from Šport.sk and Sportnet.
Toronto’s starting lineup included Bobrovskij in goal and Morgan Rielly serving as an alternate captain. The Canadiens started Jacob Fowler in net and featured a young defensive core including Kaiden Guhle and Arber Xhekaj. Suzuki's return strengthened Montreal's forward lines.
Canadiens Face Maple Leafs
The Montreal Canadiens will look to maintain their momentum when they face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period. The game, part of a Canadian rivalry, continues to draw significant attention, with fans and analysts closely monitoring Slafkovský’s performance as the season progresses.
