On March 11, 2025, the Montreal Canadiens faced the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena, aiming to improve their precarious position as they approach the NHL playoffs. With their backs against the wall and trailing just two points behind the last playoff berth, the Canadiens needed every ounce of determination and skill to secure victory.
Ending their recent losing streak, the Canadiens secured a 4-2 victory. The game started intensely, showcasing early offensive prowess with three goals scored by their top line. Nick Suzuki set the tone remarkably, finding the back of the net just 66 seconds after the puck dropped. His goal, executed with finesse during his breakaway against Canucks' goalie Kevin Lankinen, underscored his importance to the team. “I wanted to beat the defenseman and cut to my right. It was a last-minute decision to come back the other way,” Suzuki recounted.
Following Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield quickly made contributions, pushing the score to 3-0 by the end of the first period. Their synergy was palpable, as Slafkovsky capitalized on the situation with precision, scoring his goal at 8:34 of the first period. “When we play physically like this, we’re usually all over the other team,” Slafkovsky noted. This physical approach not only rattled their opponents but also set the groundwork for their subsequent success.
Yet the Canucks would not go quietly. Despite the initial lead, the home team clawed back, scoring two goals in the third period, making the closing moments tense for the Canadiens. Samuel Montembeault, guarding the net for the Canadiens, executed 29 saves and provided stability, particularly as the Canucks began to surge. “It wasn’t an easy third period,” reflected coach Martin St. Louis, recognizing the pressure his team faced.
Mike Matheson sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, ensuring the Canadiens walked away with the win they needed. “We deserved this win,” St. Louis emphasized after the game, praising his team’s ability to stay focused under pressure.
This victory not only propelled the Canadiens closer to the playoffs but also showcased the depth within their roster and the influential roles played by their stars. The first line combined for seven points during this match: Suzuki and Caufield each having multiple points alongside Slafkovsky’s contributions, reinforcing their status as the team’s key to success.
Looking forward, the Canadiens have 18 games remaining this season, and the urgency to secure points is evident. They are set to face the Seattle Kraken the following evening, knowing each game is pivotal. “We want to lead by example and deliver every night,” stated Caufield, highlighting the collective responsibility felt across the team.
The Canadiens' reliance on their first line is clear, but it’s also an opportunity for other lines to step up as the season progresses. Players like Alex Newhook, Brendan Gallagher, and Joshua Roy need to find their groove to support the offensive output from the first line. Newhook was visibly challenged during this match, and his adaptability to the center position remains under scrutiny as they progress.
Despite being freshly recalled from Laval, Joshua Roy played his first game with the Canadiens since December 1st. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, “I think it went well, and as the game went on, I felt like I was regaining my rhythm.” This enthusiasm and determination characterize the team’s hopeful attitude as they move forward.
Montreal fans were evident throughout Rogers Arena, adorned in red jerseys, echoing the longstanding popularity of the Canadiens even on rival territory. The spirit of the team extends beyond ice performances; it’s evident in the loyalty and passion displayed by fans.
With their horsepower coming from the first line powering the pursuit of glory, Montreal's next challenge against the Seattle Kraken is lined with tension and expectation. The Canadiens continue to strive for consistency and teamwork, hallmarks of their identity as they aim for playoff contention. Fans and players alike know this playoff race is not just about individual excellence—it’s about collective effort and resilience.