Josh Anderson of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates after scoring the go-ahead goal as Detroit Red Wings’ J.T. Compher looks on during the third period in Montreal on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Photo: Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)
Josh Anderson broke a tie with under ten minutes left in the third period, leading the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. Goalie Sam Montembeault stood tall with 35 saves, helping Montreal stretch its win streak to six games and boost its playoff chances.
Cole Caufield, Montreal’s top scorer this season, tied the game in the second period with his 37th goal. Brendan Gallagher and Nick Suzuki sealed the win with empty-net goals in the final moments. With the victory, the Canadiens now have 87 points, building a comfortable eight-point gap over teams chasing a playoff spot—including the Red Wings.
Montreal’s win also indirectly helped the Ottawa Senators, securing them a playoff berth for the first time since 2017.
Detroit's Dylan Larkin gave his team the lead midway through the first period, finishing a clean pass from Patrick Kane. The Red Wings dominated the opening frame, firing 23 shots—more than Montreal has allowed in any single period this season.
Despite the early pressure, Montreal bounced back. Caufield’s backhand goal off a rebound late in the second period levelled the score. Then, Anderson capitalized on a miscue from Detroit defender Albert Johansson, who was distracted after losing his helmet. Christian Dvorak delivered a perfect pass to Anderson, who was left wide open in front of the net and made no mistake.
Detroit had a golden opportunity to retake the lead shortly after Caufield’s goal, but J.T. Compher’s shot went high, missing an open net after an awkward bounce sent Montembeault scrambling out of position. That missed chance proved costly for the Red Wings.
Though Detroit entered the night averaging just over 27 shots per game, they couldn’t break through Montembeault after Larkin’s opener. Goalie Cam Talbot made 17 saves but got little help late as the Canadiens tightened their defence and struck twice into an empty net.
Nick Suzuki’s assist and goal brought his season point total to 86—making him the most productive Canadien since the 1995–96 seasons of Pierre Turgeon and Vincent Damphousse. Notably, Suzuki wasn’t even born when those records were set.
Montreal has been showing a pattern lately: slow starts followed by strong finishes. Playing their fifth game in eight nights, the Canadiens again fell behind early but found their rhythm late. Their ability to bounce back has become a key storyline in their late-season push.
Detroit, meanwhile, missed a chance to earn at least a point for the sixth straight game. Their playoff hopes are now hanging by a thread.
What’s Next?
Montreal heads to Ottawa on Friday to begin a two-game road trip. Detroit visits the Florida Panthers on Thursday, hoping to stay in the playoff race.
