The Montreal Canadiens recorded their sixth win in eight games with a 4-2 victory against the Vancouver Canucks on March 11, 2025. The match, held at Rogers Arena, was marked by standout performances, including those of captain Nick Suzuki and rookie Juraj Slafkovsky.
Narratives surrounding the game painted Suzuki as significant to Montreal's offense, contributing both defensively and offensively. Just 66 seconds after the puck dropped, Suzuki scored on Vancouver goalie Kevin Lankinen after receiving a pass from Slafkovsky, putting the Canadiens up 1-0. Suzuki deftly managed to redirect the puck past Lankinen with some nifty backhand work, swiftly setting the tone for the game.
Slafkovsky built on Suzuki's early score, netting his own goal at 8:34 of the first period, making it 2-0. Suzuki and Slafkovsky's performance evinced their growing chemistry, which was beneficial for Montreal. According to stats released post-game, Slafkovsky has matched his personal best of three points (one goal, two assists) four times throughout his young career.
By the second period, Suzuki showcased yet another offensive play, assisting Cole Caufield’s goal at 8:59, which marked Caufield's team-leading 32nd goal of the season. This quick two-on-one maneuver was instrumental to establishing Montreal’s 3-0 lead, demonstrating the Canadiens' offense’s recent resurgence since returning from the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off break. Suzuki now has five goals and 10 assists over the last eight games, contributing heavily to the team’s current momentum.
Although Montreal was dominant initially, the Canucks mounted pressure, attempting to claw back and close the deficit. Filip Hronek put Vancouver on the board with his goal at 4:05 of the third period, which made the score 3-1, offering hope for the struggling Canucks.
Despite the Canucks managing to score again through Elias Pettersson, late-game resilience by the Canadiens preserved their lead. Mike Matheson scored the final goal with 17 seconds remaining, emphasizing the Canadiens’ strong game management to secure the win at 4-2.
This victory holds significance as it positions Montreal tied with Boston and the New York Rangers, just two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens have pushed hard during the final stretch of the season, showcasing marked improvements under pressure.
The Canucks, conversely, struggled again, having not scored more than three goals over their last 15 games, which dates back to January 29, 2025.
Looking forward, the Canadiens will be heading to Seattle to face the Kraken as they seek to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Canucks, facing issues of their own, will head to Calgary, hoping to find their footing.
The Montreal Canadiens’ recent games suggest they’ve become rejuvenated, claiming victories through enhanced synergy among key players like Suzuki, Slafkovsky, and Caufield, making for enticing viewing as the playoff races heat up.
Meanwhile, with continued issues plaguing the Vancouver Canucks, the team must address their surprising struggles to remain competitive, as their last-place standing has become increasingly concerning. This game may well be indicative of the broader shift as the Canucks aim to end their season on a high note.