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Bottom Six Minutes: Alex Newhook awakens

Nov 7, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Montreal Canadiens center Alex Newhook (15) scores a goal on New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens were unable to end their losing streak on Thursday night, falling 5-3 to the New Jersey Devils. Defensive zone lapses were once again their undoing, but like the Calgary game two nights prior, it wasn’t all bad. They were able to see some encouraging performances from some players, in particular from one who has struggled mightily to get going this year.

Alex Newhook has had a frustratingly slow start this season, but played easily his best game to date in New Jersey.

This was something special. He sees some space in front of him, and with the Devils trying to execute a line change, he just takes off. Flying through all three zones, and though he may have gotten some help via deflection at the end, this will be highlight-reel fodder for some time. A beautiful goal that he manufactured entirely on his own.

Pointless in his last five games, and coming into Thursday night with only two goals, he doubled that total in one night, and provided a glimpse of the effectiveness that he showed last season. The Habs badly need him to get going to provide some secondary scoring, and hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

He has been a target for a lot of criticism lately, most of which has been well warranted. This was the most engaged and tenacious he’s looked in some time, and he’ll want to try and replicate that effort level moving forward. The team acquired him to be a strong middle-six piece, and while he was that last year for the most part, we really haven’t seen anything to indicate he’s going to be that this year.

Until now, at least. It was a great performance for him in Newark, and he can silence his critics if he makes it the first of many.

Click the play button below to listen to your full Bottom Six Minutes, also available wherever you get your podcasts. We’ll be back after Saturday night’s visit to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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