Suzuki’s late-game heroics lift Canadiens to dramatic 3-2 OT win over Panthers

Nick Suzuki’s late-game heroics propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers on April 1, 2025, keeping the team firmly in the playoff race. With the Canadiens trailing 2-1 in the final moments of regulation, Suzuki showed his leadership and clutch ability by scoring the game-tying goal with just 8.4 seconds left, sending the Bell Centre into a frenzy. His determination didn’t stop there—29 seconds into overtime, Suzuki sealed the win by netting the game-winning goal, completing one of the most dramatic comebacks of the season.

The Canadiens had been battling all night to keep pace with the Panthers, who had been playing strong defensively. Florida had taken a 2-1 lead late in the third period after a well-executed power play goal. However, the Canadiens’ resilience shone through as they never gave up. With the goalie pulled, Suzuki’s quick reaction to a rebound in front of the net resulted in a sensational goal, forcing the game into overtime.

In the extra period, Suzuki took full control, displaying why he is regarded as one of the team’s most important players. After a flawless pass from defenseman Lane Hutson, who registered three assists in the game, Suzuki made a quick move and fired a shot past Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to give Montreal their second straight win. This victory helped the Canadiens solidify their position in the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot, with only a handful of games left in the regular season.

Hutson’s three-assist performance was another standout moment of the night. The rookie defenseman continued to impress, making history by setting a new record for the second-most assists by a rookie defenseman in Canadiens history, trailing only Larry Murphy. Hutson’s vision and composure on the blue line were key to the Canadiens’ ability to control the pace of play, especially in the high-pressure moments late in the game.

The Canadiens will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host the Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre on April 3, 2025, for a crucial matchup. The game will also serve as a special occasion, marking the 16th annual RadioTéléDON event, which supports charitable causes across the community. With Suzuki’s leadership and the team’s recent strong performances, the Canadiens are poised to make a push for the postseason as the regular season draws to a close.