Late Drama Seals a Canadiens OT Triumph Over Predators
The Montreal Canadiens rallied from a late deficit and rode a timely overtime tally by Cole Caufield to beat the Nashville Predators, 3-2, in an overtime thriller. Caufield’s goal, coming off a slick backhand feed from Nick Suzuki and a decisive one-timer from the middle of the circle, clinched the win in the extra period after Montreal had already weathered a tense push from Nashville.
Key Moments that Shaped the Game
The Predators struck first, with Steven Stamkos—briefly with the hometown control in mind—pacing Nashville to a 1-0 lead midway through the second period via a power-play setup that deflected off Montreal defenseman Kaiden Guhle into the net. It looked like it might hold, but Montreal found its footing and fought back with urgency.
Oliver Kapanen tied the score at 6:02 of the third, lifting a rebound past Juuse Saros after a sharp sequence that allowed Montreal to stay within reach. Then, at 11:21, Nashville nudged ahead again when Nick Perbix wristed a shot past Jakub Dobes from the right face-off circle, restoring the Predators’ lead after a sequence that briefly threatened a late-game turn of events for the visitors.
With the clock winding down, the Canadiens pulled their goalie in a bold late-minute push. Lane Hutson, who had just made a critical defensive play stopping Jonathan Marchessault’s attempt on net, delivered a long outlet pass to give Montreal a clean look at the tying goal. From the left face-off circle, Caufield found the back of the net as the goalie, Saros, faced a difficult angle—tying the game with 20 seconds left in regulation and forcing overtime.
Overtime Spark: Caufield Delivers Again
In the extra period, Caufield wasted little time. Suzuki skated into the zone and delivered a backhand dish to Caufield, who fired a one-timer from between the circles. The shot beat Saros cleanly, ending Nashville’s hopes and giving Montreal a 3-2 victory in dramatic fashion. The tally marked Caufield’s fifth goal in three games and marked his second consecutive overtime goal, continuing an impressive hot streak that has become a hallmark of his season so far.
Player Contributions: Hutson, Suzuki, and Dobes Shine
Beyond Caufield’s late heroics, Lane Hutson was instrumental throughout the game, contributing an assist on the tying goal and repeatedly disrupting Nashville’s attempts at converting chances. Suzuki’s setup on the OT winner underscored the veteran-like poise he brings, linking with Caufield for the decisive moment. Jakub Dobes, facing 27 shots, stood out with key saves to keep the Canadiens in the contest and maintain a chance for a late comeback when Montreal pulled the goalie in the final moments of regulation.
Montreal’s Momentum Continues
With the win, Montreal improved to 4-1-0, riding a four-game win streak that has built confidence and showcased depth across the lineup. The Canadiens demonstrated they can rally when needed, combining timely defense with aggressive work at the crease and in transition. For Nashville, the loss snapped a brief two-game winless stretch, highlighting the tight margins that have defined their early season as they search for consistency in a competitive division.
What This Means Moving Forward
The comeback and the OT triumph provide Montreal with potentially valuable momentum as the season unfolds. Caufield’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments—paired with Hutson’s playmaking and Dobes’ goaltending—gives the Canadiens a blueprint for success in close games. For Nashville, the performance showed resilience but also exposed vulnerabilities that they’ll look to address in the next matchup, especially with special teams and late-game execution in focus.
