Montreal's Cole Caufield displayed sheer determination and skill on Thursday night, securing the Canadiens' thrilling 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks with a stunning overtime goal at the Bell Centre. Scoring at 3:21 of the extra period, Caufield made a sensational move, putting the puck between his legs to dodge Sharks defenseman Macklin Celebrini before unleashing a shot over the shoulder of goalie Alexandar Georgiev.
This exhilarating win marks the Canadiens' third straight victory since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off break and attests to the team’s spirited play. "It's always fun to find ways to win, especially when you're fighting back. We're focused, and it’s building our confidence,” said Caufield, who now leads the team with 28 goals this season. His two-point game, which included another assist, was pivotal against a Sharks team struggling with their form.
The Canadiens showcased their offensive prowess with 33 shots on goal, overshadowing the 21 giveaways they recorded. Captain Nick Suzuki was instrumental during the match, netting two goals, including one just before the first period concluded, to tie the game at 2-2. Suzuki's performance was particularly noteworthy as it marked his first career goals against the Sharks after eight prior meetings without finding the net.
Noteworthy as well, rookie centerman Owen Beck earned his first NHL point, assisting on Alex Newhook's goal, marking Newhook's return to the scoring sheet since early February. Meanwhile, Montreal's goalie Samuel Montembeault played his part, stopping 22 shots to clinch his third consecutive win, solidifying his role as the backbone of the team post-break.
The game kept fans on the edge of their seats, as the Canadiens faced deficits on three occasions during regulation. Despite taking the lead early, Montreal was forced to play catch-up each time San Jose scored, thanks to goals by Fabian Zetterlund, Nico Sturm, and Will Smith, who all chipped away at the Canadiens’ momentum.
After trailing 2-1 late in the first period, the Canadiens made a powerful retaliatory strike. Suzuki received assistance from Lane Hutson and found the back of the net, giving Montreal new life. Newhook’s goal tied the game again the second period before Caufield’s overtime heroics sealed the deal.
This victory is particularly monumental for the Canadiens, who had previously struggled against the Sharks. Prior to this win, San Jose had won their last eight contests at the Bell Centre, last tasting defeat there on March 21, 2015. Now, with the Sharks languishing at the bottom of the NHL standings, having lost seven straight and 13 of their last 14, the Canadiens’ ability to secure victory against them marks significant progress.
Montreal has showcased resilience, repeatedly fighting back to secure their place on the leaderboard, fueled by the standout performances from their stars and upcoming players alike. The next challenge for the Canadiens arrives swiftly, as they are set to take on the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, February 29, 2025, whereas the Sharks prepare for their matchup against the Ottawa Senators.
With the Canadiens gaining momentum, fans can expect more exciting hockey as they continue their push for playoff contention. The combination of skilled veterans like Caufield, dynamic leadership from Suzuki, and the fresh enthusiasm of their rookie additions paints an optimistic picture for the remainder of the season.
What remains to be seen is if Montreal can maintain this level of performance and build on the success of their recent games. With the NHL trade deadline approaching, pundits will also speculate if the Canadiens will opt for any acquisitions to bolster their playoff aspirations as the season progresses. For now, the Montreal Canadiens will hope to keep their winning streak alive, drawing energy from this exhilarating victory and the notable contributions of their players.