The Montreal Canadiens dismantled the Dallas Stars 5-2 on Thursday, with Cole Caufield and Alex Newhook each scoring twice to power the visitors to a decisive victory at American Airlines Center.
The Canadiens established early dominance in the first period, outscoring the home team 3-1. Cole Caufield opened the scoring with a snap shot, assisted by Phillip Danault and Alexandre Carrier. Wyatt Johnston responded for Dallas with a snap shot, assisted by Mikko Rantanen and Miro Heiskanen, to tie the game 1-1.
However, Montreal regained the lead when Alex Newhook buried a backhand, assisted by Noah Dobson and Lane Hutson. Caufield completed his pair with another snap shot, assisted by Adam Engstrom and Juraj Slafkovský, giving Montreal a 3-1 lead entering the intermission.
The visitors extended their advantage in the second period. Alex Newhook added his second goal of the game with a backhand, assisted by Chris Kreider and Noah Dobson. Jamie Benn pulled one goal back for Dallas with a wrist shot, assisted by Mikko Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston. The Stars managed only one point in the second period, leaving them trailing 4-2.
In the third period, Phillip Danault sealed the victory with a wrist shot, assisted by Jake Evans. The Stars were unable to mount a comeback, finishing the game with two total goals. Cole Caufield led Montreal with two goals and two points, while Alex Newhook also contributed two goals.
