Jake Evans Scores Twice as Canadiens Defeat Blackhawks 4-1
Jake Evans scored twice and added an assist to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-1 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night.
Evans and Guhle Drive Canadiens Past Blackhawks
The Montreal Canadiens capitalized on a tightening game in Chicago, breaking open a tight contest thanks to a three-point night from Jake Evans. Evans scored his first goal of the season late in the first period to tie the game 1-1, following an early strike from Chicago’s Connor Bedard at 4:23 in the opening frame. Bedard beat Canadiens goaltender Jacob Fowler with a wrist shot over the glove hand after receiving a backhand feed from Patrick Kane in the neutral zone.
Montreal shifted the momentum as the period wore on. Evans added his second tally just 7:51 into the second period, wiring a wrist shot over goalie Spencer Knight’s stick side while the Canadiens were playing short-handed. That short-handed goal gave Montreal a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.
With 1:34 remaining in the second period, Evans fed Kaiden Guhle for a point shot that was screened by Josh Anderson and beat Knight on the stick side. That assist matched Evans’s career high for points in a single game. Defenseman Mike Matheson rounded out the scoring for Montreal with an empty-net goal with 2:38 left in regulation.
Goalies Lead Montreal to Victory over Chicago
After a wide-open start, the matchup settled into a structured battle that favored the visitors. Jacob Fowler stopped 20 shots for Montreal, facing heavy pressure in terms of power-play opportunities but minimal actual testing. Chicago managed five power plays during the contest but generated only three shots on goal in the final period.
At the other end of the ice, Spencer Knight turned away 24 shots for the Blackhawks. Chicago dropped its second game and fell to 3-7-0 on the season, slipping to four losses in their last six outings. Montreal improved its recent run to 4-1-1 over their last six games.
– Jake Evans scored twice and assisted on Kaiden Guhle's goal and the Montreal Canadiens beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Friday night. https://t.co/1rvRod6nmx
“The first two periods, I thought we were the better team. We had our looks. That’s hockey. You get looks, they go down the other way and bury one.”
Outdoor Heritage Classic Awaits Montreal
The Canadiens turn their attention immediately to an outdoor showcase. Montreal travels to Winnipeg to face the Jets on Sunday in the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium.
For players on the Montreal roster, the outdoor venue represents a career milestone. Montreal defenseman Mike Matheson noted that he has never played in one during his 11th year. My kids are coming, my wife, my parents. It’s going to be a lot of fun,
Matheson said.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks remain at home to host Florida on Sunday.