Canadiens frustrated after outplaying Predators in loss: ‘We deserved better’

After ugly losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes, the Canadiens came out with energy Thursday, outshooting the Predators 34-20.

Montreal hemmed Nashville in its own end often, creating chances as it cycled the puck around the offensive zone. The Canadiens also executed their breakouts with ease after struggling against the Hurricanes’ relentless forecheck Tuesday, but a second-period lull and a late penalty proved costly.

Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson tripped Steven Stamkos in the neutral zone late in the third period. Less than a minute later, O’Reilly redirected Roman Josi’s point shot past goalie Jacob Fowler for Nashville’s second power-play goal of the night, giving the Predators a 3-2 lead.

Adam Edstrom added two empty-net goals to seal the victory.

St. Louis acknowledged the Canadiens needed to do a better job of managing their discipline, but couldn’t fault his players after their effort.

“It’s disappointing because they didn’t beat us tonight. They just won,” he said. “Because we played a good game.”

The Canadiens went 0-for-3 on the power play, unable to solve Predators netminder Juuse Saros, who earned first-star honours with 32 saves.

Saros also denied Canadiens winger Josh Anderson on a breakaway with eight minutes remaining after Predators defenceman Brady Skjei broke his stick on a slapshot at the blue line.

“It’s frustrating,” Anderson said. “The game’s in your hands and you’re going down on a breakaway that obviously you want to bury. It’s one that I’m still thinking about.”

“I thought we played a great game, to be honest. I just thought everybody was going,” he added. “It’s just a couple of tips that ended up going in the back of the net.”

Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki opened the scoring 3:12 into the second period, sliding a backhand through Saros’ legs during four-on-four play. Alex Newhook then doubled Montreal’s lead at 8:50 after minutes of sustained pressure in Nashville’s zone.

The Bell Centre crowd soon broke into “Olé! Olé! Olé!” chants as the Canadiens continued to control play, but the Predators responded with goals from Alexander Kerfoot and Matthew Wood before the period ended.

“Probably outplayed them for the majority of the game, just didn’t score (on) our chances,” Suzuki said. “Every loss sucks, (but) I think we were the better team, honestly. So I don’t know, it was pretty frustrating to come out with a loss.”

Suzuki wasn’t the only player frustrated after the game as Montreal (1-2-1) extended its winless streak to three games.

“I think everyone’s a little annoyed,” defenceman Lane Hutson said. “That’s part of it, it’s not going to be perfect. It’s a long season, we just move on to the next.”

The Canadiens return to action Saturday night against the visiting Detroit Red Wings.

GETTING THE CALL

Fowler, 21, was recalled from the AHL’s Laval Rocket on Wednesday afternoon, hours after Montreal backup Samuel Montembeault exited practice with an apparent leg or groin injury. Fowler went 9-6-2 with a 2.43 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in 17 NHL games last season. He stopped 15 shots in his 2026-27 debut.

“It’s tough. I thought we worked them all game,” Fowler said. “Their goalie played great, and I just got to come up with a save out of that kill at the end.”

TOGETHER AGAIN

St. Louis mixed up his lines after Tuesday’s loss to Carolina, and in the process reunited one of the league’s most prolific trios.

Juraj Slafkovsky rejoined Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the first line, replacing Chris Kreider.

To spread talent across the lineup, St. Louis had slotted Slafkovsky on the second line with the recently injured Ivan Demidov to start the season. Kreider, meanwhile, joined Anderson and Newhook on a speedy and physical second line.

The new combinations — including three new defensive pairs with rookie Adam Engstrom entering the lineup for Jayden Struble — delivered positive results despite the loss.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 9, 2026.

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Canadiens frustrated after outplaying Predators in loss: ‘We deserved better’

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