Canadiens edged in Washington, Atlantic Division roundup

The Atlantic Division’s only on-ice action saw the Montreal Canadiens come up just short in Washington, while the rest of the day’s news revolved around roster and contract questions in Detroit, Florida, Ottawa and Toronto. In the standings, Boston and Ottawa are tied at the top with 10 points through seven games, Tampa Bay and Florida follow closely, and Toronto, Buffalo and Montreal are clustered at seven points, ahead of Detroit’s four.

Canadiens fall 5–4, Dobes takes the blame

In Washington, the Canadiens dropped a 5–4 decision to the Capitals. According to Sportsnet, goaltender Jakub Dobes gave up five goals and described it as a tough night, saying he needs to be better as he searches for early-season consistency in the starter’s crease.

On the positive side, Sportsnet highlights a standout goal from rookie defenceman Lane Hutson, who weaved through the Capitals’ defence before ripping home a shot that gave Montreal the lead at that point. La Presse notes that this first NHL meeting between Lane and his brother Cole Hutson went in Cole’s favour, with Washington ultimately taking the win.

Sportsnet also points to a big outing from Alex Tuch, credited with two goals and an assist for the Capitals in the victory. Eyes on the Prize characterizes the performance as one of the Canadiens’ strongest games of the season even if it didn’t result in points. Earlier in the day, the Canadiens recalled defenceman David Reinbacher from the AHL’s Laval Rocket, a move already noted on our site.

Red Wings and Edvinsson still at an impasse

In Detroit, the focus remains on defenceman Simon Edvinsson’s unresolved future. The Hockey News reports that interim GM Shawn Horcoff says he has no interest in trading Edvinsson, even as time is running out to solve his contract situation. Daily Faceoff adds that Edvinsson returned to North America after going back to Sweden, with no new deal finalized yet. Sportsnet, meanwhile, wonders what’s holding up the agreement in light of Alex DeBrincat’s new seven-year, $91-million extension with the Red Wings.

Panthers, Senators and Leafs under scrutiny

In Florida, discipline and star power shared the spotlight. Daily Faceoff and Sportsnet report that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier has been fined the maximum $5,000 for slashing Panthers defenceman Uvis Balinskis. Also according to Daily Faceoff, the Tkachuk brothers are viewed as central to the Panthers’ success despite injuries, with Brady Tkachuk having recorded a natural hat trick in a 7–3 Florida win cited by the outlet.

Up in Ottawa, Sportsnet questions whether Senators backup Samuel Ersson is truly suited for the role, citing his lacklustre start and the challenges of inconsistent playing time. In Toronto, Daily Faceoff says the Maple Leafs are still searching for a reliable two-way defenceman, a need made more pressing by Chris Tanev’s injury, as the outlet explores possible solutions for John Chayka’s group. On a more historical note, The Hockey Writers checks in on former Leaf Nicolas Aube-Kubel and where his career has taken him since leaving Toronto.