When the Canadiens’ “kid line” stands out on Sid the Kid night

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
When the Canadiens’ “kid line” stands out on Sid the Kid night
Credit: Getty Images

The game between the Canadiens and the Penguins on December 21, 2025, will forever be the one in which Sidney Crosby equaled and surpassed Mario Lemieux's 1,723 career points.

Even if Lemieux is still #1 in Crosby's heart, that's how that game will be remembered – and with good reason.

By the way, remember Jakub Dobes, the goalie who gave up the 1,724th point. One day, he could be the answer to a quiz on the world of hockey.

But Sid the Kid wasn't the only player to do well during the game. After all, the Canadiens' line of kids helped the club earn a point it didn't really deserve.

The Canadiens' first two goals were scored by the line led by Oliver Kapanen. Kapanen scored the first goal of the game after completing a beautiful passing play initiated by Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky.

Then, the Canadiens' second goal was started by Kapanen. Slaf eventually picked up the puck and made a long pass to Demidov, who didn't need much more.

Clearly, the chemistry between these three guys is palpable.

In a game the Canadiens didn't really deserve to win, the club knows it owes its youngsters a point in the standings. While Cole Caufield couldn't score, Kapanen's line was excellent.

The guys came out on the ice, and that's all to the good.

But that's not all there is to remember about yesterday's game, which was the Canadiens' penultimate before the holiday break. Tomorrow, the club plays in Boston.

What's on my mind?

1. The game was a mixed bag. And why? Because it was the third clash in a few days between the two clubs, who are therefore starting to have some complaints about each other.

Don't get me started on the importance of clubs playing the teams in their division or conference more often… but this is just one more example. #StimulatingRivalries

2. Nick Suzuki in a shootout, it's got to stop. At least among the top three shooters.

There's so much talent in this club, it just makes sense to take out a player who hasn't been able to find the back of the net in shootouts for two years.

3. Jake Evans' injury (Saturday) forced the Canadiens to recall Samuel Blais on an emergency basis. We'd been wanting to see what was wrong with him for a while.

Yesterday, he picked up an assist on Noah Dobson's goal. He was used very little (barely more than eight minutes), but he did what he had to do to help his club.

4. Speaking of playing time: Nick Suzuki played over 23 minutes yesterday. Can't wait for Phillip Danault's arrival, since without Jake Evans, it's the captain who gets… quite a bit.

Juraj Slafkovsky (21:13) played quite a bit. And what about Lane Hutson (28:58), by the way?

5. The Canadiens didn't look great in the first two periods (28 of the 31 shots allowed came in the first 40 minutes of the game) and lacked opportunism in overtime, a period in which the Habs had the upper hand. #Posts

But a point in the standings is a point in the standings.


overtime

The Canadiens have just one more game on the menu before the Christmas break (tomorrow night in Boston), which reminds us that time flies.

On the menu today? Time off for the club in the United States. But not necessarily for everyone.

In fact, in Brossard, there'll be plenty of action. Samuel Montembeault (who won't be going to Boston) and Phillip Danault (who will be going to Boston) are expected to take to the ice at the practice complex this morning.

We're also wondering whether some of the injured players (Jake Evans, Kirby Dach, and Kaiden Guhle are the ones we're keeping an eye on) will skate with the two Québécois in Quebec.

Will Joe Veleno, who was hurt yesterday in Boston, be able to play tomorrow night? If not, expect Samuel Blais to keep his place in the lineup.

Remember that Jacob Fowler, who spent two seasons playing for Boston in the NCAA, will get the start tomorrow night. This will be an important game for the standings.

(Credit: NHL.com)
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