Anaheim Ducks celebrate a thrilling comeback win after Kreider’s late equalizer and Killorn’s decisive shootout goal against Canadiens.
The Anaheim Ducks delivered a dramatic 6–5 comeback win over the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night, rallying late before sealing the result in a tense shootout. Chris Kreider forced overtime with a goal in the final minute of regulation, and Alex Killorn eventually ended the contest in the sixth round of the shootout.
Anaheim’s victory capped an emotional night that showcased resilience, timely scoring, and a standout performance from Kreider, who matched a career-high with four points. The Ducks have now won seven of their last eight games, continuing a surge that has kept them among the NHL’s most dangerous comeback teams this season.
Early Goals Set the Pace in Ducks–Canadiens Clash
The Ducks wasted no time igniting the scoring, as Cutter Gauthier found the net just 33 seconds after the opening faceoff. The quick strike marked his 32nd goal of the season and extended a strong run since the Olympic break, during which he has scored seven times in five games.
Montreal responded almost immediately when captain Nick Suzuki answered with a goal of his own. The tally ensured Suzuki reached the 20-goal mark for the fifth consecutive season, keeping the Canadiens firmly in the contest.
Anaheim gradually regained control during the opening stages, helped by Radko Gudas scoring his first goal since November. The Ducks maintained offensive pressure and carried that momentum into the next phase of the game.
Momentum Swings in a Wild Third Period
The intensity rose sharply in the third period as both teams traded scoring bursts. Leo Carlsson added to Anaheim’s lead early in the frame, converting a 2-on-1 opportunity created by Kreider for his 21st goal of the season.
However, Montreal mounted a fierce comeback of its own. Cole Caufield scored twice in the period, reaching 36 and 37 goals for the season, while Alexandre Carrier added another to tie the game with just over eight minutes remaining.
The Canadiens’ late surge erased Anaheim’s earlier advantage and placed the Ducks under significant pressure as the clock wound down. Yet the game’s decisive moment was still to come.
Kreider’s Last-Minute Heroics Force Overtime
With time running out and Anaheim pushing desperately for an equalizer, Chris Kreider stepped up when it mattered most. He redirected a point shot from Jacob Trouba with only 42 seconds left in regulation, tying the game at 5–5 and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The goal marked Kreider’s 21st of the season and highlighted an outstanding night in which he contributed across multiple plays. His performance became the driving force behind the Ducks’ ability to extend the contest.
Shootout Drama Secures Ducks’ 6-5 Comeback Win Over Canadiens
Overtime produced another tense sequence when Anaheim’s Olen Zellweger was penalized for tripping. The Canadiens briefly held a 4-on-3 advantage, but the Ducks successfully killed the penalty to keep the game alive.
The shootout ultimately decided the outcome after several rounds of attempts. Gauthier scored for Anaheim during the skills competition, setting the stage for Alex Killorn to deliver the winning shot in the sixth round.
Goaltender Lukas Dostal, who faced 23 shots during regulation and overtime, rebounded from a difficult night by making key stops in the shootout.
Ducks Continue Comeback Trend as Canadiens Slide
The victory marked Anaheim’s 19th comeback win of the season, tying Montreal for the most in the NHL. Despite losing a two-goal lead earlier in the third period, the Ducks demonstrated composure and persistence to secure the result.
Meanwhile, Montreal’s defeat continued a difficult stretch, as the Canadiens have now lost four of their last six games.
Anaheim also played without newly acquired defenseman John Carlson, who arrived on the West Coast after a late trade ended his long tenure with Washington. While he did not feature in Friday’s game, his addition signals further reinforcement for a Ducks team already gaining momentum.
In the end, the Ducks’ thrilling 6-5 comeback win over the Canadiens stood as another reminder that in hockey, the final seconds can change everything.
