Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield (13) scored against Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen (32) during the second period of an NHL game in Vancouver on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns)
The Montreal Canadiens secured a 4-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, with standout performances from Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield. Slafkovsky notched a goal and two assists, while his linemates Suzuki and Caufield each contributed a goal and an assist, helping the Canadiens (31-27-6) inch closer to a playoff spot.
Montreal built a strong lead early, going up 3-0 midway through the second period. Slafkovsky intercepted a loose puck and sent a perfect pass to Suzuki, who stormed up the ice before setting up Caufield for an easy tap-in goal. It was Caufield’s 32nd goal of the season, capping a dominant display by the Canadiens' top line.
Vancouver (29-24-11) tried to mount a comeback, with Filip Hronek scoring once and assisting on Elias Pettersson’s power-play goal in the third period. The Canucks pulled goalie Kevin Lankinen in the final minutes, hoping to force overtime, but Montreal’s defence held firm. Mike Matheson sealed the win with an empty-net goal with just 16 seconds remaining.
Canadiens Stay Hot, Canucks Struggle
Montreal’s offensive surge continues especially their top line. Since returning from the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break, Suzuki has racked up five goals and 10 assists in eight games, Caufield has netted six goals and added three assists, and Slafkovsky has posted four goals and four assists. Their chemistry was on full display, powering the Canadiens to another crucial win.
On the other hand, Vancouver’s scoring struggles persist. The Canucks have not scored more than three goals in a game since January 29, when they defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-2. They are also the only team in the NHL without a third-period comeback this season, holding a dismal 0-19-4 record when trailing after two periods.
Goalie Sam Montembeault was solid for the Canadiens, stopping 29 of 31 shots, ensuring his team extended their streak of earning at least one point in every game this month. Lankinen made 23 saves for the Canucks, who suffered their second straight loss after falling 4-1 to the Dallas Stars on Sunday.
What’s Next?
The Canucks will attempt to turn things around when they visit the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, while the Canadiens will close out their four-game road trip against the Seattle Kraken the same night.
