On March 13, 2025, the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena, resulting in a thrilling, yet heartbreaking, 5-4 overtime loss. This match was pivotal for both teams as they chase their playoff aspirations.
The Canadiens had initially stumbled out of the gate, falling behind 2-0 to the Kraken. Brandon Montour opened the scoring for Seattle, finding the net early, with Eeli Tolvanen doubling the lead shortly after. The Canadiens seemed to be on the verge of another loss, but they rallied back, demonstrating resilience and tenacity on the ice.
Highlighting this comeback was Slovak forward Juraj Slafkovský, who did not just contribute to the score but also reached a significant milestone, netting his 100th point in the NHL during the match. Slafkovský's first goal came at the 35-minute mark when he executed a beautiful shot over goalie Joey Daccord's shoulder, allowing the Canadiens to momentarily lead 3-2 after trailing. This impressive shot followed great individual effort, showcasing Slafkovský's skills and determination.
His second goal, which also served to escalate the Canadiens’ lead, was scored midway through the third period after he deftly redirected Jayden Struble's shot from the blue line. Initially, concerns arose about whether the goal would count due to the height of Slafkovský's stick, but referees confirmed it was valid. "I was sure it was the highest stick I ever had," Slafkovský remarked post-game, reflecting on the moment.
Despite these two goals from Slafkovský, which brought his season total to 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) and established him as the 29th Slovakian player to reach 100 NHL points, the Canadiens could not maintain their lead. They had built momentum and even led 4-2 late, but defensive lapses allowed Seattle to capitalize, bringing the game to overtime with goals from Jani Nyman and Matty Beniers.
Montreal's difficulties were underscored as they were outshot 38-23 yet managed to score four goals. Their defensive issues were glaring, and it was clear adjustments would be necessary moving forward, especially as they contend for playoff positioning, now peering closely at the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are just two points ahead of them.
The overtime period saw Seattle's Brandon Montour completing the comeback, scoring just five seconds after the extra period began, sealing the Kraken's victory. "It's frustrating. We had it in our pocket and ended up losing. We could have gained more points on this trip," said Slafkovský, capturing the disappointment echoing through the Canadiens' locker room.
With this loss, the Canadiens’ playoff hopes remain precarious as they sit ninth in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind the eighth-place Columbus but with fewer games remaining. Slafkovský's emergence as a dual-point scorer on this occasion, with such promising statistics early in his career at just 183 games played, points toward great potential for the Canadiens.
Looking forward, the upcoming games are pivotal for Montreal's playoff hopes. They must learn from their defensive shortcomings quickly to secure needed wins. After riding this emotional rollercoaster of victory and letting it slip away, the Canadiens are under pressure to step up their game significantly. Their season's end approaches, and each subsequent match is one step closer to either securing or extinguishing their playoff ambitions.