Why Canadiens’ Mike Matheson is blocking ‘outside noise’ after Game 3 loss

The Montreal Canadiens fell on home ice in Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Mike Matheson scored a goal to aid in his team’s effort. However, they managed just 13 shots on goal against the Hurricanes. And they now trail 2-1 in the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.

The Canadiens dominated the first game of the East Final, winning 6-2 away from home. But Montreal has not been able to replicate that sort of effort. Even worse, they’ve been unable to get the big goal in overtime, which has now cost them two games. Despite the losses, Matheson is not listening to any doubters who think this team is out of the series.

“We’re two shots away from being up 3-0 in the series,” Matheson said, via NHL.com. “So, I think it would be easy to possibly let yourself listen to the noise, but at the end of the day, we need to get four wins. And we’ve got a great opportunity to come back here in our building and get a win in Game 4 and see what happens.”

The Canadiens never held a lead in this game. Matheson’s goal tied the game 1-1 following Shayne Gostisbehere’s opening tally in the first. In the second period, Lane Hutson scored to respond to a first-period go-ahead marker from Carolina’s Taylor Hall. Andrei Svechnikov ended Game 3 with a snipe in overtime.

Montreal still has home ice advantage for Game 4 on Wednesday night. And the Hurricanes will be looking to smell blood in the water on the road. It will certainly be interesting to see who can come away with an important win in Game 4.

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