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NHL·ANALYSIS·November 1, 2026 11:32 AM ET

Button evaluates Matthews' resurgence, Canadiens roster depth

Montreal took a 5-4 win while captain Nick Suzuki sat out

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 31m1 min read
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From @CraigJButton - How Auston Matthews has been able to return to being a dangerous offensive player, and how the Cana Via @TSNHockey on X

What happened: Craig Button analyzed how Auston Matthews has regained his form as a dangerous offensive force this season. The breakdown also focused on how the Montreal Canadiens are structuring their lineup to stay competitive during their captain's absence.

Why it matters: Matthews rediscovering his scoring rhythm stabilizes his club's offensive production over the course of the regular season. For Montreal, weathering extended stretches without Suzuki serves as an early test of roster depth and resilience. Maintaining steady performance through key absences often determines positioning in a tight division race.

What to watch: Montreal aims to preserve its competitive structure while monitoring Suzuki's timeline. Matthews looks to carry his scoring momentum into the upcoming schedule.

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