Canadiens Secure Overtime Win Against Panthers
MONTREAL (AP) — In an exhilarating matchup, Nick Suzuki clinched a 3-2 victory for the Montreal Canadiens over the Florida Panthers, scoring less than a minute into overtime on Tuesday night. This thrilling win was marked by Suzuki’s equalizer just 8.4 seconds before the end of regulation.
The Canadiens benefited from a strong performance by Josh Anderson, who added another goal, while goaltender Sam Montembeault made 25 saves to secure the win. Lane Hutson distinguished himself with a three-assist performance, bringing his season total to 57, thus surpassing the legendary Chris Chelios for the second-most assists by a rookie defenseman in NHL history.
The Panthers responded with goals from Mackie Samoskevich and Niko Mikkola and have now been defeated by Montreal in all four meetings this season, having previously lost 4-3 in Sunrise, Florida, just a few days earlier.
Game Summary
- Final Score: Montreal Canadiens 3, Florida Panthers 2 (Overtime)
- Montreal Record: 35 wins, 30 losses, and 9 overtime losses
- Florida Record: 44 wins, 26 losses, and 4 overtime losses
- Shots on Goal: Canadiens 27, Panthers 25
Key Moments
Despite a strong start in the first period, where Montreal outshot Florida 9-5, their momentum faltered in the second. The Panthers temporarily neutralized that early energy when Mikkola’s shot deflected off Jake Evans and into the Canadiens’ net at 10:37 of the first period, leveling the score at 1-1.
Standout Stats
Hutson’s remarkable performance makes him only the 10th rookie defenseman in NHL history to achieve 60 points in a season, joining an elite group. He also becomes one of just three Canadiens defensemen to reach 57 assists in a single campaign.
Next Up
The Florida Panthers will clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, while the Montreal Canadiens prepare to host the Boston Bruins on Thursday.
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