Alex Newhook has elevated his game at the absolute perfect moment for the Montreal Canadiens. After playing hero in Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Newhook has kept the momentum going, scoring four goals in the last two games to help the Canadiens take a 2-1 series lead against the Buffalo Sabres. It’s not just his goal scoring that has been noticeable, it’s his overall relentless forecheck, his speed and his willingness to mix it up over the last few games that’s really standing out for the Newfoundland native. Though it’s been a major team effort for the Canadiens, Newhook has been leading the charge for his team so far during the second round.
Alex Newhook Shines Through Three Games for the Canadiens
Newhook’s game is built on speed and energy. Is it ever on full display during these playoffs. After starting off quietly during the Lightning series, production-wise, Newhook saved his best for last, scoring the game-winner against the Lightning to help the Canadiens advance to the second round. Now, against Buffalo, he’s leading the charge again. Newhook has opened the scoring in both of the Canadiens wins against the Sabres in this series. Not only is he using this energy to get the Canadiens going on the ice, but he’s using it in the lockroom to get the Canadiens fired up as well.
Alex Newhook doing the Habs lineup read tonight
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) May 9, 2026
Newhook has been everything the Canadiens could have possibly wanted thus far, and it’s a major reason the Canadiens traded for him prior to the 2023-24 season. Newhook has been in this situation before, as he won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2021-22 season. Now, at just 25 years old, he’s using that experience to help lead his young team during this Stanley Cup run.
Cole Caufield Finds his Game
We knew it was only a matter of time before the 51-goal scorer found the back of the net in this series. Each game, he inched closer and closer before he finally buried his second of the playoffs in Game 3 and a magnificent play from Lane Hutson. He then assisted on Juraj Slafkovsky‘s power-play goal in the second period, bringing his point total up to six during the playoffs. It was a sigh of relief for Caufield and Canadiens fans to see him get back on the score sheet after what’s been a disappointing playoffs for him production-wise. Now that he’s broken the slump, it feels like Caufield is going to get back to his scoring ways, which is not good for the Sabres and their fans with their club down 2-1 already.
Jakub Dobes Continues to Excel
What more can be said about Jakub Dobes? He’s been outstanding the entire playoffs. Oddly enough, this is the first time he’s won two in a row during the playoffs. Dobes was lights out again for the Canadiens in Game 3, making 26 saves en route to a 6-2 victory. Dobes now has a 6-2-2 record with a 2.13 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He would definitely be considered the Canadiens’ MVP for these playoffs, and if he keeps up this level of play and the Canadiens keep winning, he will certainly be in the conversation for the Conn Smythe. We’d definitely consider him to be an early favourite.
Canadiens Look to Put a Stranglehold on the Series in Game 4
With Game 4 being at the always energizing Bell Centre, the Canadiens will look to continue their winning ways and put a stranglehold on the Sabres in Game 4. The Canadiens have outperformed the Sabres all over the ice and have outscored them 13-7 so far over three games. Alex Lyon has now been scored on nine times in the last two games, and we could see the return of Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen, who hasn’t appeared in a game since Game 2 against the Boston Bruins. Game 4 is scheduled in Montreal on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. EDT.
Main Photo: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
