Suzuki’s OT Heroics Lift Canadiens in Thrilling Comeback Over Panthers
What a game it was in Florida last night! The Montreal Canadiens pulled off an incredible comeback against the Florida Panthers, thanks to a standout performance by Nick Suzuki. Suzuki not only tied the game late in the third period but also scored the overtime winner, giving Montreal a 3-2 victory at Amerant Bank Arena. The Canadiens were down 2-0 with just a few minutes left, but Suzuki’s brilliance turned everything around.
It all started in the third period when Brad Marchand opened the scoring for the Panthers on a power-play goal, giving Florida a 1-0 lead. Sam Reinhart added to the lead with a sharp-angled shot, making it 2-0. At this point, things looked bleak for Montreal, but the team refused to give up. Cole Caufield sparked the comeback, scoring just 32 seconds after Reinhart’s goal to cut the deficit to 2-1. That goal seemed to ignite the Canadiens, who pushed hard for the equalizer.
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The dramatic moment came with just 1:22 left in regulation. Suzuki capitalized on a miscommunication between Panthers goalie Daniil Tarasov and defenseman Aaron Ekblad, keeping the puck in Montreal’s possession. He fired a one-timer from the right circle and scored, tying the game 2-2 and sending it to overtime. The Canadiens’ persistence and composure under pressure were on full display, and it was clear that the team deserved this moment.
In overtime, the Canadiens took advantage of a 4-on-3 power play. Lane Hutson set up Suzuki perfectly with a crisp pass from the right circle. Suzuki finished it off at the left post, securing his seventh career overtime goal, which ties him for sixth-most in franchise history. His 19 career overtime points are now a franchise record, highlighting just how clutch he has been for Montreal.
Montreal’s performance was supported by strong contributions from Cole Caufield, who had a goal and an assist, and from Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson, who each had two assists. Goalie Sam Montembeault made 28 saves, keeping the Canadiens in the game and giving them a chance to fight back.
For the Panthers, Marchand extended his point streak to nine games with his power-play goal, and Reinhart also added to his six-game point streak. Despite Florida’s strong play, the team couldn’t hold off Montreal’s late surge. The Panthers now turn their attention to the Winter Classic against the New York Rangers.
Suzuki, who is also vying for a spot on Team Canada’s Olympic roster, called it one of Montreal’s most complete games. “We just kept it going even when we went down… We got the win in OT, and I thought we were the better team in it,” he said. It was a game full of excitement, skill, and determination, and Montreal’s resilience will surely be remembered as one of the season’s most thrilling moments.
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