{"id":11388,"date":"2025-01-07T09:25:32","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T08:25:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/?p=11388"},"modified":"2025-01-07T09:25:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T08:25:33","slug":"canadiens-defeat-canucks-extend-victory-streak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theplayoffs.news\/en\/canadiens-defeat-canucks-extend-victory-streak\/","title":{"rendered":"Canadiens Defeat Canucks in Overtime, Extend Strong Form in the 2024-25 NHL Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a thrilling Canadian rivalry, the Montreal Canadiens edged the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 in overtime at the Bell Centre on Monday night (6th). <\/p>

Nick Suzuki’s decisive overtime goal sealed the Habs’ victory, bringing their record to eight wins in their last 10 games and surpassing the 50% win mark for the 2024-25 NHL<\/a> season.<\/p>

Key Performances<\/strong><\/h2>

For the Canadiens, Cole Caufield scored in his fourth consecutive game, Lane Hutson recorded three points, and Sam Montembeault contributed with 16 saves. <\/p>

On the Canucks’ side, Quinn Hughes returned after missing four games due to injury and marked his 400th NHL game with two assists. Additionally, J.T. Miller delivered an impressive four-point game, while Kevin Lankinen made 19 saves.<\/p>

Game Summary<\/strong><\/h2>

The action started early as the Canadiens took the lead in the first minute when Caufield fired a wrist shot past Lankinen, making it 1-0. The Canucks responded midway through the period with a quick goal from Miller, who converted a precise pass from Nils Höglander to tie the game at 1-1.<\/p>

Vancouver gained the upper hand early in the second period. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, a 2022 first-round pick, capitalized on a loose puck to set up Miller for his second goal, giving the Canucks a 2-1 lead. Just 20 seconds later, Lekkerimäki scored his second goal of the season, extending Vancouver’s advantage to 3-1.<\/p>

Montembeault kept the Canadiens in the game with crucial saves, and Kaiden Guhle reignited hope by blasting a shot from the right side past Lankinen, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 before the second period ended.<\/p>

Third-Period Drama<\/strong><\/h2>

The Bell Centre erupted early in the third period as Kirby Dach scored on a power play, poking a rebound through Lankinen’s legs to tie the game at 3-3. Six minutes later, Lane Hutson’s hard work paid off when his pass deflected off Quinn Hughes’ skate and into the net, putting the Canadiens ahead 4-3.<\/p>

The Canucks quickly responded on their own power play. J.T. Miller faked a shot and passed to Jake DeBrusk, who fired into an open net, leveling the score at 4-4.<\/p>

The remainder of the period saw missed opportunities on both sides, with stellar saves from Lankinen and Montembeault sending the game to overtime.<\/p>

Overtime Heroics<\/strong><\/h2>

With 35 seconds left in regulation, Nils Höglander’s interference on Jake Evans gave the Canadiens a late power play. Starting overtime with a 4-on-3 advantage, Montreal capitalized just 48 seconds in when Hutson set up Suzuki, who fired a one-timer past Lankinen to clinch the 5-4 victory.<\/p>

Standings and Next Games<\/strong><\/h2>

The Canadiens now hold 41 points and occupy the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Canucks, with 45 points, remain in the second wild-card position in the West.<\/p>

Looking ahead, Vancouver continues their road trip on Wednesday (8th) against the Washington Capitals, who will also face Montreal on Friday (10th).<\/p>

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