Last night the Montreal Canadiens won their first game in regulation since October 25 in Vancouver.
The Habs haven't won many games in regulation this season, so a 6-2 win like yesterday against the Utah Mammoth feels really good.
To give you an idea, this is only the third time this season that the Habs have won a game by more than one goal, including a 4-2 empty-net win over the Buffalo Sabres.
In short, the Habs mostly only play close games, so a win by four goals would help Martin St. Louis' team.
It wasn't easy last night, however, despite the scoreline, and it was a superb goal from Alex Newhook that really turned the tide of the game.
Ivan Demidov: “I might break my ankle”
Alex Newhook: “Hold my beer”
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) November 9, 2025
The Habs got a lot better after that and were able to create a lot more scoring chances, all thanks to Newhook, who thought he was Connor McDavid.
In all seriousness, the Habs number 15 has been really impressive this season as he has everything working.
Newhook's confidence is growing and he is putting up some very interesting numbers (12 points in 15 games), especially compared to his 26 points in 82 games last season.
Alex Newhook scored 26 points in 82 games last season…
Alex Newhook has 12 points in 15 games this season…In fact, it's crazy what Ivan Demidov is capable of, a little luck and a bucket of salted beef… #GoHabsGo
– Hockey Junkie (@HockeyJunkieYT) November 9, 2025
And now you will probably tell me that this transformed Newhook is the result of the Ivan Demidov effect.
Of course, it's understandable that Newhook would benefit from playing with the young Russian prodigy, but personally, I think the Habs #15's performance is beyond the Demidov effect.
Newhook is playing great hockey, with or without the help of the young Russian.
Last night, for example, Newhook scored his goal with a superb run into the offensive zone, followed by a superb shot and a pinpoint shot.
Demidov did not contribute to the goal at all, and only Oliver Kapanen provided an assist.
And later in the game, when Newhook scored his second point of the game, it was Newhook who picked up the puck in the neutral zone and then made a beautiful pass to captain Nick Suzuki.
In short, I can understand people attributing Newhook's success to the arrival of Demidov and the fact that they play on the same line, but I truly believe that Newhook needs to be given the credit he deserves.
He had a terrible season last year and now he's bouncing back with confidence and character.
Newhook currently allows the Habs to rely on two offensive lines, taking the pressure off the front line.
Let's hope the (only) 24-year-old forward continues to perform in the same spirit, playing the role of a young father to Demidov and Kapanen.
“I'm a young father with them [Demidov and Kapanen]» @Rous_ant @Lappy14 pic.twitter.com/JEg6o9VgrE
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) November 9, 2025
After a while
– Really.
Kirby Duch wasn't perfect. So are the Canadiens.
But he and the team are getting what they've earned this season, including their 10th win of the season on Saturday.(@EricEngels)) https://t.co/xm0MIVZALH
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 9, 2025
– Wow. Read on.
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) November 9, 2025
– Amazing.
It was the most intense third quarter in F1 HISTORY! Join P2 starter Kimi Antonelli and take part in a ghostly battle.
#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/dtgTeCbY10
– Formula 1 (@F1) November 9, 2025
