Fri Jan 02 14:10:00 UTC 2026: ## Canadiens Stun Panthers in Overtime Comeback
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Nick Suzuki scored a power-play goal 3:24 into overtime, capping off a stunning comeback as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 on Tuesday night. The Canadiens rallied from a two-goal deficit in the final five minutes of regulation to steal the victory in the final game of 2025 for both teams.
The game was scoreless through two periods, marking the first time since February 2013 that a matchup between Florida and Montreal remained goalless after 40 minutes. But the third period ignited with Brad Marchand breaking the deadlock for Florida at 10:18, followed by Sam Reinhart increasing the lead to 2-0 with just under five minutes remaining.
However, Montreal refused to concede. Cole Caufield responded just 32 seconds after Reinhart’s goal, and then Suzuki tied the game with 1:22 left on the clock, sending the game into overtime.
Marchand, honored before the game for reaching 1,000 career points, was penalized for roughing early in the extra period, gifting Montreal a critical 4-on-3 power play. Suzuki capitalized, securing the win for the Canadiens.
The victory marks Montreal’s 21st win of the season, their most at this point in the year since 2018-19. For the Panthers, who have played in the last three Stanley Cup Finals and won the last two, this was their 106th game of the year, the third consecutive season they have surpassed 100 games played.
The Canadiens (6-1-3 in their last 10) will visit Carolina on Thursday, while the Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic in Miami on Friday.
First Piper 