VANCOUVER - The Montreal Canadiens clinched a significant 4-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on March 11, 2025, at Rogers Arena, pushing the Habs closer to playoff contention. The standout performance came from Juraj Slafkovsky, who notched one goal and two assists, energizing the Montreal team's hopes.
From the onset, the Canadiens demonstrated their offensive prowess. Nick Suzuki scored just 66 seconds after the puck dropped, executing a textbook breakaway to net his 20th goal of the season. Shortly after, at 8:38, Slafkovsky doubled the lead to 2-0 with his 12th goal. The early scoring set the tone for the game, giving the Canadiens confidence and momentum.
The Canucks struggled to find their rhythm, facing heartbreak early on when they hit the post multiple times. Vancouver's Joshua nearly reduced the lead but was denied by Canadiens' goalie Sam Montembeault, whose pad block prevented the puck from crossing the goal line.
Throughout the first two periods, the Canucks created several opportunities but were met with staunch defense. Montreal's top line continued their dominant play. Cole Caufield, not to be overshadowed, netted his team-leading 32nd goal midway through the second period, pushing Montreal's lead to 3-0. This seamless collaboration among the trio—Caufield, Suzuki, and Slafkovsky—showed their growing chemistry since returning from the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off break. Since then, Suzuki has racked up five goals and 10 assists, whereas Caufield and Slafkovsky have excelled with six goals and three assists, and four goals and four assists, respectively.
Just as it seemed the Canadiens would run away with the game, the Canucks surged back, hoping to shift the momentum. Filip Hronek sparked the comeback with his goal, followed by another from Elias Pettersson, bringing the score to 3-2. With the clock winding down, Vancouver pulled their goalie, Kevin Lankinen, for the extra attacker, aiming for the equalizer.
Despite their efforts, Montreal's defense managed to hold firm under pressure. Mike Matheson sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 19:44, reinstilling the two-goal cushion.
Montreal's victory moves them to 31-27-6, positioning them closely behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card berth. The Canadiens have earned points in six of their last seven games, marking their strong showing since returning from the break.
For the Canucks, the loss is particularly damaging as they remain tied with the St. Louis Blues, one point behind the Calgary Flames, who occupy the final wild card. Not only does the team face the Flames on March 12, 2025, but they must also find answers to their offensive struggles, having not scored more than three goals over their last 15 games.
Rick Tocchet, head coach of the Canucks, acknowledged the team's deficiencies, stating, "We didn’t have an answer for their top line. Three goals. And it’s a good line. They make plays. It’s tough. We should have an answer." With their playoff aspirations dwindling, Tocchet emphasized the need to step up against the Flames, stating, "It’s going to be a tough one. We’ve got to reload or recharge for tomorrow."
On the other hand, Canadiens' head coach Martin St-Louis praised his team's effort. "You’ve got to be hungry, and those guys are hungry," he acknowledged, referring to his top line’s potency. "They’re playing the game that's in front of them. If they have to defend, they will."
The upcoming games hold great significance for both teams. The Canucks look to rebound against the Flames, hoping to dig out of their scoring slump and revitalize their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the Canadiens aim to maintain their momentum as they round out their four-game road swing at the Seattle Kraken—another important match considering the stakes of playoff positioning.
With the regular season drawing to a close, the performances of teams such as the Canadiens and Canucks will prove pivotal as each side vies for playoff success. With skillful plays and strategic depth on both ends, the coming days will reveal whether these two hockey squads can turn their fates as they head toward the postseason.