Canadiens Fall to Ducks in High-Scoring Affair, Dach Leaves Game with Injury
Montreal, QC – March 16, 2026 – The Montreal Canadiens suffered a 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks Sunday night, a game marred by an upper-body injury to forward Kirby Dach. Dach left the game in the first period after a hit from Ducks winger Jeffrey Viel and did not return. Viel was not penalized for the hit. The Canadiens rallied after falling behind, tying the game twice, but ultimately conceded the game-winning goal late in the third period. Despite a strong performance from Juraj Slafkovský, Montreal’s defensive struggles proved costly, allowing numerous high-danger scoring chances. The Canadiens will gaze to rebound against the Boston Bruins in their next game.
Canadiens Forward Kirby Dach Leaves Game Following Hit From Ducks’ Jeffrey Viel
Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach exited Sunday night’s game against the Anaheim Ducks with an upper-body injury after a hit from Ducks winger Jeffrey Viel. The incident occurred three minutes into the first period, sending Dach to the dressing room.
Details of the Incident
Viel caught Dach unexpectedly while the Canadiens forward was attempting to play the puck. Dach fell to the ice, covering his face with his gloves, before being helped off the ice. Remarkably, no penalty was assessed on the play.
Immediate Aftermath and Reactions
Following the hit, Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj and forward Josh Anderson confronted Viel, seemingly seeking retribution. However, Viel declined their invitations to fight, leaving the tension unresolved. The hit occurred just days after Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas ended Toronto captain Auston Matthews’ season with a knee-on-knee hit, resulting in a five-game suspension for Gudas.
Game Developments After Dach’s Exit
The Canadiens struggled initially, falling behind 1-0 after Leo Carlsson scored for the Ducks. However, Montreal rallied in the second period, with Alex Newhook scoring to narrow the deficit. Cole Caufield then tied the game with his 39th goal of the season.
A Back-and-Forth Third Period
The third period saw a flurry of action, with both teams trading chances. Anaheim regained the lead late in the game with a goal from Jeffrey Viel. Despite a late push, the Canadiens were unable to tie the game, falling 4-3.
Pro Tip: Player safety remains a paramount concern in the NHL, and the league continues to evaluate and adjust its rules to minimize dangerous hits and protect players.
Looking Ahead: Canadiens’ Performance and Future Games
Despite the loss, the Canadiens showed resilience, particularly after falling behind early. However, defensive breakdowns and turnovers proved costly. Montreal will need to address these issues as they prepare for an important upcoming game against the Boston Bruins.
The Broader Context: Recent NHL Controversies
This incident adds to a recent string of controversial plays in the NHL, including the hit by Radko Gudas that sidelined Auston Matthews. These events are sparking debate about the level of physicality allowed in the game and the effectiveness of current disciplinary measures.
FAQ
- What was the nature of Kirby Dach’s injury? An upper-body injury.
- Was a penalty called on Jeffrey Viel for the hit? No, a penalty was not called.
- What was the final score of the game? Anaheim Ducks 4, Montreal Canadiens 3.
- Who scored for the Canadiens? Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield.
Did you know? The NHL’s Department of Player Safety reviews all potentially dangerous hits and can issue suspensions based on the severity of the infraction.
The Canadiens’ performance highlighted both their offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities. Addressing these inconsistencies will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season and strive for a playoff berth.
What are your thoughts on the hit? Share your opinions in the comments below!