3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens defeated Vegas Golden Knights 

The Montreal Canadiens closed out the calendar year of 2024 on the right note, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena, otherwise known to fans as "The Fortress", by a 3-2 final score on Tuesday afternoon. The Golden Knights initially took a 2-0 lead into their dressing room after the opening 20 minutes and appeared well in position to cruise to a victory.

However, the Canadiens staged a comeback with a pair of unanswered goals to knot the score, setting the stage for unlikely hero Kirby Dach to net the game-winning goal in the third period.

Goaltender Sam Montembeault finished 27 saves in a winning effort, while Adin Hill made 19 saves for the Golden Knights.

3 reasons why Montreal Canadiens defeated Vegas Golden Knights

#1. Sam Montembeault resembled the starting goaltender Montreal management has always envisioned

Given his chance to earn the starter's role for this season after the decision was made by Canadiens management to trade former starter Jake Allen at last season's trade deadline, Sam Montembeault has battled inconsistency - but has also turned in some clutch performances.

Tuesday's win against the Golden Knights can be considered one of his better outings this year, which included a record-setting shutout against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He made several key stops for the Habs after allowing a pair of first-period goals, including five separate saves on Vegas forward Jack Eichel and four separate chances from Tanner Pearson.

#2. The Habs defense held Vegas in check after two first-period goals

The Golden Knights are one of the deepest teams in the National Hockey League, and they have the ability to devastate their opponents with their skill and depth.

But after Vegas took a 2-0 lead into their dressing room following 20 minutes of play, they were unable to penetrate Montreal's defense and goaltending to add more goals to the scoreboard.

Keeping the offensive attack of the Golden Knights in check is no simple feat, and the Canadiens accomplished it on Tuesday.

#3. Canadiens got key depth scoring

While Montreal's first goal of the game came from a player they rely upon for offense, their next pair of goals came courtesy of players who aren't typically known for their offensive production.

Emil Heineman's goal was his ninth of the year, while Kirby Dach's go-ahead goal was just his fifth of the season.

Depth scoring is paramount to a team's success, and it worked to Montreal's advantage against Vegas.