After a dominant 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames to open their home stand, the Montreal Canadiens were right back in action less than 24 hours later against the Florida Panthers. With a chance to take the lead in the Atlantic division, they put up a touchdown on the defending Stanley Cup champions, winning 6-2 to take that lead, at least for the time being.
There was a lot going on last night, so instead of my customary focus on one aspect of the game, here are a collection of general thoughts about that outing.
FIRST CAREER HATTY FOR ELITE SNIPER ALEX TEXIER! pic.twitter.com/YzSWJ6tSHa
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) January 9, 2026
We’ll start with Alexandre Texier, who is absolutely scorching hot to start this home stand. A day after posting his first career three-point game, he notched his first career hat trick, all while playing some of the best hockey of his career. We’re still in small-sample territory when it comes to his time on the top line, but Martin St-Louis gave him an opportunity, and he’s running with it. The points are a byproduct of strong play, and as long as that remains true, it will remain his spot in the lineup.
He seems to thoroughly enjoy playing in Montreal, rejuvenated in his love for the game. Whatever happens from here out, he is one of the more feel-good stories in the city right now, and he’s making a heck of a case to be brought back after his one-year deal.
There's a reason the fans are chanting Monty tonight. He forgot about that terrible pass quick and has made some key saves. pic.twitter.com/zhP2fSctLs
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) January 9, 2026
Now, no write up of this game should be considered complete without discussing Samuel Montembeault. He gave up a very ugly goal to Sam Bennett with a no-look behind-the-back pass in the second period, but was dialed in from there, making some key saves to help the Habs stay in front.
Early in the season, Montembeault seemed to allow games to snowball on him after allowing a bad goal. Since his conditioning stint with Laval, it seems like he’s regained the ability to put those behind him quickly, and get back to work. Even his biggest detractors should be able to acknowledge that he’s made significant improvements, and is seemingly back to being able to help the team win games.
Great forecheck by Slafkovsky and Demidov, Slaf kicks it out to the slot and Oliver Kapanen with some great hand-eye to make it 2-0 #Habs pic.twitter.com/qwp0PMLhAy
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) January 9, 2026
Juraj Slafkovsky, and really the entire second line, seem to be unstoppable right now. This was one of the poorer underlying statistical games they’ve had recently, and yet they outscored the Panthers 2-0 at even strength. Simply put, they find ways to put the puck in the net. The sustainability of their success rate will be tested by time, but right now it is an incredibly fun ride watching them produce night after night.
Lastly, I want to give some praise to Joe Veleno for what he helped Texier accomplish.
If Montreal can unlock Joe Veleno – look out.
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 9, 2026
pic.twitter.com/2uoHAYYSLQ
This is some real glue guy stuff right here. End of the game, they know they’re getting the two points already, and yet he fights through three Panthers to help Texier have a special moment at the Bell Centre. We’ve heard a lot about how this group truly plays for each other, and I think this is a great example of that.
Click the play button below to listen to your full Bottom Six Minutes, also available wherever you get your podcasts. We’ll be back on Saturday night after a big game against the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre.
