In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, the Philadelphia Flyers staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Montreal Canadiens in a nail-biting shootout. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this a triumph of perseverance or a missed opportunity for the Canadiens to solidify their winning streak? Let’s dive into the action and let you decide.
The Flyers, led by standout performances, showcased their depth and determination. Cam York delivered a goal and an assist, while Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny each contributed two assists, proving their value in the team’s 7-5-1 record. Nikita Grebenkin tied the game in the third period with his first-ever NHL goal—a moment that will surely be etched in his memory. Dan Vladar stood tall with 16 saves, and Zegras sealed the deal with the only goal in the shootout, capping off a remarkable effort.
For the Canadiens (9-3-1), Kirby Dach shone with two goals, and Ivan Demidov added a goal and an assist. Lane Hutson’s two assists and Sam Montembeault’s 38 saves were impressive, but the team couldn’t maintain their early momentum after winning three straight games. And this is the part most people miss: Despite allowing three goals on the Flyers’ first six shots, Montembeault’s performance was a testament to his resilience under pressure.
Montreal’s Nick Suzuki continued his historic point streak, extending it to 12 games with 19 points (three goals, 16 assists). His first of two power-play goals in the second period was a highlight, as the Canadiens scored four straight goals to take control. Suzuki’s streak is the longest in the NHL this season and the longest for the Canadiens since Pierre Turgeon’s 13-game streak in 1995. Bold question: Is Suzuki’s streak a sign of individual brilliance or a reflection of the team’s overall strength?
The game started with a bang as Brink scored just 1:56 into the first period, deflecting Travis Sanheim’s shot past Montembeault. York extended the lead to 2-0 on a 5-on-3 power play with a powerful slap shot, and Brink made it 3-0 shortly after, capitalizing on a rebound. But the Canadiens didn’t go down without a fight.
Dach began Montreal’s comeback in the second period, slapping in a rebound to make it 3-1. Suzuki narrowed the gap to 3-2 with a precise one-timer, and Dach tied the game 3-3 after being left unmarked. Demidov gave the Canadiens a 4-3 lead with a wrist shot on their second power play, but Grebenkin’s equalizer in the third period forced overtime.
The shootout belonged to the Flyers, with Zegras’ goal proving to be the difference. Thought-provoking question: Did the Flyers’ victory highlight their ability to bounce back, or did the Canadiens let this one slip away? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this electrifying matchup!
