Juraj Slafkovský and Canadiens defeat Maple Leafs 3-2

Juraj Slafkovský opened the new NHL season with a 3–2 victory as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs on the road, according to game records. The 22-year-old Slovak winger logged nearly 18 minutes of ice time on the second line and registered two shots on goal.

Montreal Secures Opening Night Victory in Toronto

Montreal responded in the 11th minute when Josh Anderson scored off assists from Christian Dacier and Kirby Dach. Zachary Bolduc gave the visitors a 2–1 lead in the second period, followed by an insurance goal from Alexandre Carrier in the third frame. Nylander added a second goal for Toronto late in the game, but Montreal held on for the two points.

Juraj Slafkovský’s Season Debut Statistics

Juraj Slafkovský played 17 minutes and 53 seconds in total, which included 2 minutes and 26 seconds of power-play time. While he did not register a point on the scoresheet, the Košice native generated multiple scoring chances. He recorded two shots on target, missed three wide, and tested goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky with a sharp wrist shot in the second period. In the final frame, he drove the puck deep into the offensive zone to sustain pressure for the Canadiens.

Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs | NHL Highlights | Sep 29, 2026

Around the League: Opening Night Results

Elsewhere on the NHL schedule, the Florida Panthers edged the Carolina Hurricanes 1–0 in overtime thanks to a game-winning goal by Gustav Forsling. The Boston Bruins shut out the New York Rangers 3–0 behind late goals from Fraser Minten, John Peterka, and Mark Kastelic. The Vancouver Canucks outlasted the Edmonton Oilers 6–5 in an overtime thriller, led by two goals from Cotter. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5–2, paced by a multi-point performance from Eichel.

Juraj Slafkovský ice time and goal scorers in Montreal victory over Toronto

How many minutes did Juraj Slafkovský play in the season opener?

Juraj Slafkovský played 17 minutes and 53 seconds, including 2 minutes and 26 seconds on the power play.

Who scored the goals for Montreal against Toronto?

Josh Anderson, Zachary Bolduc, and Alexandre Carrier scored for the Canadiens in their 3–2 victory.

When did William Nylander score for the Maple Leafs?

William Nylander scored in the opening minute of the first period and again late in the third period.