Kapanen Calls Game in Shootout Win Over the Penguins

Aylee Ahmadzadeh | September 23, 2025

The Montreal Canadiens kicked off their preseason run with a 2-1 shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night at the Bell Centre. Group A drew into the Canadiens lineup, which included players like Owen Beck, Ivan Demidov, Patrik Laine, Sam Montembeault, and more.

The Pittsburgh Penguins struck first in the opening frame, with Tristan Broz burying a power play goal off a well set pass from Valtteri Puustinen. The Penguins were the more aggressive team through the first two periods, out skating Montreal and forcing the goaltenders to come up with key saves. 

Physicality was high as Josh Anderson had to step in to defend teammate Ivan Demidov, taking a penalty in the process and showing the team’s commitment to protecting their own. Then tensions flared midway through the second period when Jared Davidson and Sam Poulin went toe to toe in a heated fight.

After struggling to generate offense, the Canadiens finally evened the score when Owen Beck pounced on a rebound to tie the game 1-1. The goal energized the Bell Centre crowd and brought life back to the home team. With the poise of rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler, who drew in halfway through the match, the Canadiens were able to hold on and take the game to sudden death.

Overtime did not lead to a conclusion, forcing a shootout to become the deciding factor. Fowler once again stole the spotlight. Calm and composed, he stopped four of five Penguins attempts, Sean Farrell kept the shootout going and Oliver Kapanen sealed the win for the Canadiens.

Notable Moments

• Jared Davidson stepped into a fighters role

• Josh Anderson played hero, taking a penalty in Demidov's rescue

• Owen Beck and Filip Mesar showed strong chemistry

• Goaltending stole the spotlight on both ends of the ice

The Habs are back at it Tuesday night when they host the Philadelphia Flyers, looking to build on this hard fought opening win. The question now is who will draw into the lineup as Group B gets their turn on the ice.