Summary: Caufield’s OT Heroics Propel Canadiens Over Predators
Nick Suzuki sparked Montreal’s late push, feeding a perfect backhand pass to Cole Caufield for a one-timer from the circles that sealed a 5-4 overtime victory over the Nashville Predators. The goal capped a dramatic night at the Bell Centre, where the Canadiens stretched their win streak to four and extended Caufield’s hot stretch with a timely winner in OT.
Late Push to Force Overtime
The game looked headed for regulation with Nashville holding a 2-1 lead late in the third period. Montreal saved its best for last, though, pulling goalie Jakub Dobes with 34 seconds remaining. Lane Hutson ignited the sequence with a long breakout pass and, after a deflection from Jonathan Marchessault’s previous shot was cleared, Kapanen capitalized on the ensuing play. He tied the game 2-2 with 20 seconds left in regulation, sneaking a wrist shot past Saros from the left circle and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Designated Plays and Key Moments
Oliver Kapanen opened the scoring for Montreal in the third period, tying the game at 1-1 by burying his own rebound past Saros after a defensive miscue. The Predators countered with a bit of late period magic of their own when Perbix whipped a wrist shot to reclaim Nashville’s lead at 2-1. Stamkos had sparked Nashville’s earlier lead in the second with a power-play goal, a play that began with a deflection off a Canadiens defender that redirected past Dobes.
Overtime Finale: Caufield Delivers
Between the circles, Caufield received a backhand pass from Nick Suzuki and snapped a one-timer that beat Saros, ending a game that featured multiple lead changes and late heroics on both sides. The tally was Caufield’s fifth goal in three games and his second straight overtime winner, underscoring his knack for delivering when it matters most. The goal capped a night where Hutson was instrumental, notching two assists and helping Montreal collect its fourth straight win, with Dobes turning aside 17 saves for the Canadiens.
Individual Performances and Team Outlook
For Montreal, Caufield’s continued scoring spree is a bright spot as the club looks to build consistency across its lineup. Hutson’s two assists were a notable contribution from the rookie blueliner, showcasing his playmaking vision and willingness to push plays from the back end. The victory also highlighted the resilience of a team that can rally late in the game, convert on the power play late, and execute in critical moments of OT.
Nashville’s late-game drama included Stamkos’s first-period setup that sparked the Predators’ offense and a second-period tally from Perbix to push the visitors ahead. Despite a solid showing by Saros, the Predators dropped consecutive games, with Nashville looking to tighten its defensive gaps and regain momentum as the schedule tightens.
What’s Next
Montreal returns to the ice with confidence after another dramatic win, hoping to sustain its streak as Caufield continues his scoring tear. Nashville will regroup and prepare for a road stretch, aiming to rebound after a back-and-forth game that produced a memorable OT finish. For hockey fans, the night offered a reminder that late-game pressure and precise passing can turn the outcome in a heartbeat.
