The Canadiens lost a game they could have won after a fine comeback in the third period. A 5-4 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a game where every point matters, especially with the standings so close.
And while the Habs made some progress late in the game, it was Martin St. Louis' pinpoint call in the third period that really stole the show.
Because no, the first line in a 5v5 game doesn't work well, and at some point when it doesn't work, you have to try something else.
That's exactly what Martin St. Louis did when he removed Zachary Bolduc from the front line and put Alexandre Texier next to Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. This change did not go unnoticed, especially considering that Bolduc spent several games in this chair without taking advantage of this opportunity.
The message is clear. A place on the first line must be earned.
After the game, the Canadiens head coach explained that it was not about targeting one player, but about provoking something. According to him, Texier has an excellent hockey IQ, reads the game well and has a good stick that can win important battles. Parts that the Suzuki line has been lacking for some time, especially at even strength.
Here's the post-match conference:
It wasn't necessarily a direct rebuke of the Quebec forward, but it was clearly a signal. And in the NHL, when the coach removes your name from the first line, next to Suzuki and Caufield, you understand it pretty quickly.
Some may wonder why Juraj Salfkovski is not being considered. The answer is simple. His turn rolls like never before. They produce, they dominate physically and they play great hockey. There is no question of breaking up a functioning unit to try to fix one that is struggling.
Alexandre Texier did not change the line alone, but in the smallest details there was more rhythm, more structure and more consistency. Often these elements are crucial in a 5v5 game.
The Canadiens ultimately lost in a shootout, but the decision could have had much more impact than the outcome of the game. Bolduc now knows exactly where he is. And Texier may have just bought himself more than just a shot at the No. 1 spot, because let's be honest, if you take away the No. 2 spot, there aren't many candidates left for that position.
after a while
– Jonathan Quick is having a great season.
Jonathan Quick this season:
– record 3-5-1
– 236/252 saves
– 0.937 save percentage (1st in NHL)
– 1.79 goals against averageThe best backup in hockey. pic.twitter.com/ejmefDpQl1
– Big Head Hockey (@bigheadhockey) December 29, 2025
Quebecer Justin Brazeau scored his first career NHL hat-trick.
BRAZ MADE THE FIRST HAT-TRICK OF HIS CAREER pic.twitter.com/SXuUVWBLdQ
– Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 29, 2025
– What is the sequence of actions of defender Simon Edvinsson, who blocks the second shot, although he was injured on the first one.
Edvinsson gets hurt while blocking a shot, then BLOCKS ANOTHER PUNCH WITH A STICK.
Hockey Hard
pic.twitter.com/HtLu88mnfN
– B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 29, 2025
– Mathew Barzal leaves the game after swinging his stick at Mason Marchment, who had just checked Mathew Schaefer.
#Islands Mathew Barzal received a 5-minute penalty and a game violation for cutting #CBJ's Mason Marchment, given 2 minutes for tripping Matthew Schaefer. pic.twitter.com/OVnEo0PWDj
– NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) December 28, 2025
