Despite being heavily compromised personnel-wise, the Florida Panthers nearly had it against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, until Nick Suzuki stepped in. The Canadiens captain equalized the scoreboard 3-3 with just 21 seconds left in the third period, stretching the game into overtime. With that, Suzuki has etched his name in the history of the franchise.
Nick Suzuki To Go Down in Montreal Canadiens History After Latest Feat Against the Florida Panthers
The Panthers have been eliminated from the playoffs this season, but showed up with particular ferocity against the Habs at the Bell Centre. Eetu Luostarinen redirected Gustav Forsling’s shot to give the Panthers the 3-2 lead at 7:49 of the third period. Before Luostarinen, Carter Verhaeghe, and Sam Reinhardt had scored for the Panthers.
Florida had almost won the match, but Suzuki tied the game 3-3 with merely 21 seconds remaining in the third period. Eventually, Cole Caufield won the game for the Canadiens, who have already clinched a playoff berth, in the shootout.
THE CAPTAIN TIES IT IN THE FINAL SECONDS 😱 pic.twitter.com/Ot9u9Bymic
— NHL (@NHL) April 8, 2026
 But the real star of the show was undoubtedly Suzuki. The 26-year-old has 96 points in 78 games with the Habs, tying with Pierre Turgeon for the most points in a single season by a Canadiens captain.
With the win, Montreal is tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Buffalo Sabres for first place in the Atlantic Division with 102 points. Weighing in on the subject, Suzuki stated that while the win against the Panthers certainly helped the Habs clinch first place in the Division, Montreal’s overall performance was lackluster.
“We weren’t very good. So, you know, to win that is big for the standings. We got to be a lot better in the last few games at the very end of the season,” the 26-year-old said, setting expectations for his team straight.
However, Suzuki did not absolve himself of responsibility for the Canadiens’ underwhelming showing. The Habs Captain acknowledged his shortcomings before stating that he needs to be a whole world better when Montreal faces the Lightning on March 9.
I think it started with my line. I was pretty brutal all night until [the goal]. So, I think it just started with us; a bit too casual. Thought we were kind of soft as a group, so I need to be a lot better against Tampa,” Suzuki stated, reflecting on the game.
It is certainly true that the Canadiens should have eased past the Panthers on Tuesday, given Florida’s overall record this season and the fact that it was heavily compromised in terms of roster. The showdown served as a reality check for the Habs, and we can expect Suzuki and company to put their best foot forward against Tampa.
