Canadiens Defeat Canucks 5-4 in Overtime Thriller

Nick Suzuki scored the overtime winner and added two assists as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 in a thrilling NHL matchup on Monday night. The Canadiens, who have won eight of their last 10 games, climbed into a playoff spot with the victory.

Lane Hutson contributed a goal and two assists, while Cole Caufield added a goal and an assist. Kaiden Guhle and Kirby Dach also found the back of the net for Montreal (19-18-3). Goaltender Sam Montembeault made 16 saves to secure the win.

Vancouver (18-12-9) was led by J.T. Miller, who tallied two goals and two assists. Jake DeBrusk and Jonathan Lekkerimaki also scored, with Lekkerimaki recording his first career multi-point game. Kevin Lankinen stopped 19 shots in the loss.

The Canucks opened the scoring early in the second period with goals from Miller and Lekkerimaki just 20 seconds apart. However, Montreal responded with three unanswered goals to take control of the game. Dach and Hutson scored in the third period to give the Canadiens a 4-3 lead, but DeBrusk tied the game on a power play with 8:51 remaining, setting the stage for Suzuki’s overtime heroics.

Hutson, a Calder Trophy candidate, became the fastest defenceman in Canadiens history to reach 30 points, achieving the milestone in just 42 games. The previous record was held by Chris Chelios, who took 45 games.

Both teams will face the Washington Capitals next. Vancouver continues its road trip in Washington on Wednesday, while Montreal visits the Capitals on Friday.