The Montreal Canadiens concluded their 2025 campaign with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers, further underscoring their impressive track record against the previous year’s Stanley Cup champions. This latest triumph marked another comeback, showcasing the resilience and determination of the Canadiens.
In particular, goaltender Sam Montembeault was keenly aware of the stakes, needing to elevate his performance after struggling in earlier season games. Sent to the minors due to disappointing stats, Montembeault recognized this as a pivotal moment in his career. He opened the game focused, gradually reclaiming his confidence with nine critical saves in the first period. While he faced fewer high-danger shots, his readiness for potential threats was evident.
However, during the game’s third period, Montembeault faced a couple of challenging goals, including a well-placed shot from Brad Marchand. Despite these setbacks, he finished with a solid save percentage of .933, allowing him to build upon a performance that could signal a return to form.
The Canadiens also made some tactical adjustments, including Alexandre Texier joining the first line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. This change showed immediate dividends as Texier created scoring opportunities, significantly improving the line’s effectiveness compared to their recent struggles. The revamped line maintained an impressive expected goals share of 81 percent throughout the night, illustrating their dominance in puck possession.
In a nail-biting finish, the Canadiens rallied to tie the game with a goal from Suzuki, spurred on by a strong play from rookie Ivan Demidov. They carried this momentum into overtime, where Suzuki secured the game-winning goal, highlighting his potential as he is likely to receive recognition with a selection to Canada’s Olympic team.
Throughout the game, the Canadiens showcased an elevated level of play, evidenced by their ability to dictate the pace against the Panthers in the second period, where Florida struggled to generate meaningful shots.
On a broader note, the Canadiens are on the rise, displaying an improved roster despite several key injuries, such as to Kaiden Guhle and Kirby Dach. The fluidity and speed of their play suggest a bright future, transforming the team’s narrative into one of renewed hope and competitiveness.
As the Canadiens continue to build on their strengths, significant contributions from younger prospects, like Alexander Zharovsky and Michael Hage, remain essential to their long-term success and the ongoing rebuilding process. With young talents thriving in leagues overseas, the organization appears poised for a strong rebound in the coming seasons.
Brian Wilde, a Montreal-based sports writer, delivers insights on the Canadiens’ journey through his “Call of the Wilde” feature after each game.