Canadiens Rally Late, Defeat Panthers in Shootout

Montreal scores tying goal with 20 seconds left, then wins in shootout

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with overlapping planes of color and fragmented shapes representing the players, puck, and action on the ice.The Canadiens' dramatic late comeback against the Panthers showcases the intensity and unpredictability of NHL action.Today in Pittsburgh

The Montreal Canadiens rallied late to tie the game and then won in a shootout against the visiting Florida Panthers. The Canadiens scored the equalizer with just 20.1 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, then prevailed in the shootout to pick up the victory.

Why it matters

The Canadiens are still in the hunt for the Atlantic Division title, while the Panthers' season is winding down. This late comeback win could prove crucial for Montreal's playoff positioning in the tight race atop the division.

The details

The Panthers never trailed in the game until the final seconds, taking leads of 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 before Nick Suzuki scored the tying goal for Montreal with the goalie pulled. Daniil Tarasov made 29 saves for the Panthers, but Montreal's Jakob Dobes also had a strong game in net. The Canadiens then prevailed in the shootout to secure the extra point.

  • The Panthers took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period.
  • The game was tied 1-1 early in the second period.
  • The Panthers regained the lead 2-1 in the second period.
  • The Canadiens tied the game 2-2 in the third period.
  • The Panthers went up 3-2 in the third period before Montreal's late equalizer.

The players

Nick Suzuki

The Canadiens' star center scored the game-tying goal with just 20.1 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

Daniil Tarasov

The Panthers' goaltender made 29 saves but was unable to hold off the Canadiens' late comeback.

Jakob Dobes

The Canadiens' goaltender had a strong performance, making key saves to keep his team in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We never gave up, even when we were down late. That's the kind of fight and determination we need to keep our playoff push going.”

— Nick Suzuki, Canadiens Center

What’s next

The Panthers will look to bounce back when they visit the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, while the Canadiens will try to build on this comeback win as they continue their pursuit of the division title.

The takeaway

This thrilling comeback victory for the Canadiens showcases their resilience and determination as they fight for a top playoff spot in the tight Atlantic Division race. The Panthers, meanwhile, are left to lament another late collapse as their season winds down.