Alex Newhook scored two goals, and the Montreal Canadiens handed the Seattle Kraken their eighth consecutive loss with a 5-1 victory on Sunday night.
Kaiden Guhle contributed a goal and two assists, setting a career-high with three points. Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson also scored, while Cayden Primeau made 36 saves to help Montreal snap a four-game losing streak.
“We felt like we were maybe a little snake-bit,” Guhle said. “We’ve definitely played better and lost. Tonight, pucks were just going in for us. A couple tips, a couple rollers in the net. One of those games where everything went right, and I’ll take that.”
Despite being outshot 37-17, the Canadiens matched their season-high for goals.
Jordan Eberle scored his 16th goal for the Kraken, who have been shut out or held to one goal in six of their losses during this streak, tying their longest skid of the season.
“You play this game with passion, with heart, for the guy next to you, and we’re not doing that right now. That’s more than disappointing. It’s hard to be part of, and it’s something we’re going to change,” Seattle coach Dave Hakstol said. “It’s hard to see us fall off like this because of what is still on the line. Every time you put this jersey on, it means a lot, and right now we’re not portraying that on the ice.”
Philipp Grubauer allowed four goals on six shots before being replaced by Joey Daccord, who made 10 saves.
Montreal scored on their first two shots. The first goal came about four minutes in when a long shot from Guhle made it through traffic. Just over two minutes later, another shot from Guhle was deflected in by Newhook.
The Canadiens added two more goals late in the first period. With 2:27 left, Suzuki led a two-on-one break and scored over Grubauer’s right shoulder. Newhook then gave Montreal a 4-0 lead 27 seconds later, prompting Seattle to replace Grubauer.
“It was a good game right from the start,” Primeau said. “It’s always good when you’re leading instead of chasing.”
The Kraken got on the board in the first minute of the second period with Eberle’s shot from the right circle. Seattle thought they had another goal five minutes into the period on a power play, but it was called off after a challenge showed the Kraken had been offside.
Montreal scored their fifth goal with about seven minutes left in the second period on Matheson’s short-handed goal.
Newhook almost achieved his first career hat trick midway through the second period, but his shot bounced off the post.
“That one stung a little bit more than most posts, but it happens,” Newhook said. “That’s hockey. You’ve got to keep going, maybe find a hat trick another night.”
Seattle defenseman Ryker Evans left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury and did not return.
UP NEXT
- Canadiens: At Colorado on Tuesday night.
- Kraken: Host Anaheim on Tuesday night.
