RECAP: Blackhawks Unable to Hold Early Lead Against Canadiens

Chicago opens the scoring but can't build on an early advantage against Montreal at United Center

By Blackhawks.com Staff

Blackhawks.com

October 24, 2026

The Blackhawks took an early lead Friday night at United Center, but ultimately came up short in a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

After striking first in the opening period, Chicago generated chances throughout the night but was unable to regain momentum as Montreal gradually built its advantage over the final two periods.

Read on for a breakdown of the key moments from the night.

🚨 Bedard scores second goal of the season

🍎 Kane moves closer to 900 assists

🎉 Cole skates in 1,000th game

Watch game highlights between Chicago and Montreal

BEDARD FINDS THE BACK OF THE NET

Connor Bedard showed off his quick release with a wrist shot that beat Jacob Fowler for Chicago's lone goal at 4:23 of the opening period.

The tally was Bedard's second goal of the season and gave the Blackhawks' captain points in three of his first four games of the 2026-27 campaign. Bedard has now recorded four points (2G, 2A) since making his season debut on Oct. 13 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The goal also marked the 77th of Bedard's NHL career, tying Alex DeBrincat for the sixth-most goals by a Blackhawks player age 21 or younger.

Connor Bedard fires a shot past the glove side

KANE CONTINUES HIS CLIMB

Patrick Kane recorded the lone assist on Bedard's first-period goal, extending his point streak to five games against Montreal and moving closer to another NHL milestone.

The helper was the 897th assist of Kane's NHL career, leaving him three away from becoming the first American-born player and the 21st player in NHL history to reach 900 career assists.

Kane entered the night after recently passing Phil Housley for the most assists by a U.S.-born player in league history.