The Montreal Canadiens played their last game of the 2025 calendar year on Tuesday night, facing the Panthers in Florida. The result was an exciting 3-2 overtime win.
This is what caught my eye.
Montembeault laid the first block in rebuilding his season.
It was a solid game from Monty, coming up big on multiple occasions and stopping 28 of 30 shots. His positioning on the second goal was something he’d like to have back, but this was a game Montembeault can be proud of.
This is good news for the Habs, and let’s hope he can build on Tuesday’s performance going forward.
Nick Suzuki looked like an Olympian.
Cole Caufield started the comeback with a fantastic individual effort. He looks like an Olympian, whether Bill Guerin can ultimately see it or not.
But then Nick Suzuki came in with one of his classic clutch performances, delivering both the tying and game-winning goals. I wonder if he knows he has made the Canadian Olympic Team.
The guys wanted this win for Monty.
From Brendan Gallagher’s vote of confidence before the game to the celebration on the ice, it was clear the young Canadiens knew how important this game was for Sam Montembeault.
This is a team that has faced significant adversity and have managed to come together and thrive. 2026 is going to be fun!
Hab At Her 