Excitement Surrounding the Montreal Canadiens
Recently, the excitement surrounding Montreal Canadiens games has been palpable, particularly highlighted during their last two matchups. Following a hard-fought battle against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, which ended in a shootout defeat, the Canadiens turned around and clinched a crucial win against the Florida Panthers in overtime on Tuesday. This victory held significant importance, not only for their position in the standings but especially for goalie Samuel Montembeault, marking his return to the NHL after a spell with the Laval Rocket in the AHL for conditioning.
Game Highlights
The game initially saw both teams locked in a scoreless duel for about 50 minutes. However, that changed dramatically when Brad Marchand managed to score first with a power-play goal, giving the Panthers a 1-0 advantage. Following that, Sam Reinhart‘s goal appeared to seal the deal for Florida, but the Canadiens weren’t ready to concede defeat. Cole Caufield struck back quickly, narrowing the deficit, and just before the end of regulation, Nick Suzuki stunned the Panthers by netting the equalizer within the last two minutes. The game culminated in overtime with Suzuki once again securing victory for Montreal, marking a thrilling comeback.
Montembeault’s Performance
Montembeault’s performance was particularly commendable after facing the challenge of being reassigned to the AHL earlier in the season. He displayed resilience, registering 28 saves on 30 shots, which yielded a .933 save percentage. His composure shone through despite being tested early in the game, where he easily controlled the few shots directed his way, even managing to recover from a potential distraction when an opponent’s shot struck his mask. His ability to stay focused after conceding a goal—both Marchand’s well-placed shot amid traffic and Reinhart’s higher shot—showed a notable maturity in his game.
Dynamic Duo: Caufield and Suzuki
The offensive duo of Caufield and Suzuki, who had faced some struggles since Juraj Slafkovsky was moved off their line, rose to the occasion during this critical match. After conceding that second goal, Caufield quickly managed to respond, and their urgency translated into a dynamic playing style that belied their earlier struggles. Following Marchand’s penalty for roughing, the Canadiens capitalized on their extra ice time, resulting in a well-worked goal from Suzuki after a clever move by Noah Dobson, who assisted the play.
Lane Hutson’s Record
On the night, Lane Hutson also shone with two assists, elevating his total to 74 for the calendar year—a new franchise record for assists in a season by a defenseman. His tenacity and skill on the ice have been invaluable, offering a blend of creativity and mobility that the Canadiens thrive on during their offensive plays.
Looking Ahead
Currently in the midst of a demanding seven-game road trip, the Canadiens will be heading to Raleigh to face the Carolina Hurricanes on New Year’s Day. Their momentum has carried them through the first four games, maintaining an unbeaten streak (2-0-2), aiming to enhance their record as they progress through this challenging stretch.
