Devils Continue Dominance in Montreal with OT Win
The New Jersey Devils extended their impressive dominance over the Montreal Canadiens with a thrilling overtime victory, securing a 4-3 win at the Bell Centre on Thursday night. This hard-fought victory not only added another chapter to their recent success in Montreal but also served as a statement of their strength as they continue to make waves in the Eastern Conference.
The Devils came into the game with a strong track record in Montreal, having won six of their last seven matchups in the Canadiens’ home arena. With both teams sitting in the middle of a competitive playoff race, the stakes were high, but it was New Jersey’s resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments that ultimately made the difference.
The game itself was a fast-paced, back-and-forth affair, filled with momentum swings that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Montreal drew first blood early in the opening period when Cole Caufield beat Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood with a blistering shot to give the Canadiens a 1-0 lead. However, the Devils weren’t rattled, responding quickly with a power-play goal from Jesper Bratt, who found the back of the net after a well-placed pass from Jack Hughes. This marked the beginning of a tense, high-energy contest.
Throughout the game, both teams exchanged goals, with the Canadiens’ effort led by veteran forward Brendan Gallagher, who tied the game at 2-2 with a gritty effort in the second period. But New Jersey’s offensive depth, which has been a hallmark of their play all season, answered back again. In the third period, Nico Hischier, the Devils’ captain, scored a beautiful individual goal to give New Jersey a 3-2 lead, showcasing his exceptional skating and puck-handling abilities.
Just when it seemed like the Devils would close out the game in regulation, the Canadiens made a late push. With the clock winding down, Montreal’s Nick Suzuki capitalized on a defensive breakdown to tie the game at 3-3, sending the match into overtime.
Overtime has been an area where the Devils have excelled this season, and they continued their trend of clutch performances when it counted most. Just 2:41 into the extra frame, Hughes, who had been a key contributor all night, orchestrated a fast break and slid a perfect pass to the streaking Bratt. The Swedish winger calmly finished with a one-timer past Canadiens goaltender Jake Allen, securing the Devils’ victory and sending their fans into a frenzy.
Bratt’s overtime goal was the cherry on top of a strong performance from the Devils’ top line, which had been a constant threat throughout the game. The chemistry between Hughes, Bratt, and Hischier has been one of the driving forces behind New Jersey’s success this season, and their ability to step up in clutch moments was on full display once again.
For the Canadiens, it was another heartbreaking loss in a season that has been filled with inconsistencies. Despite the strong play from key players like Suzuki and Gallagher, Montreal couldn’t find a way to hold off the Devils in the extra frame. With the defeat, the Canadiens continue to struggle in their quest for a playoff spot, leaving them with plenty of questions to answer as they move forward.
For the Devils, this victory is a significant one. Not only does it continue their dominance in Montreal, but it also demonstrates their ability to grind out wins in tight, high-pressure situations. As they look ahead to the remainder of the season, New Jersey remains firmly in the mix for a top spot in the Eastern Conference, and their victory in Montreal is just another reminder of their potential as a legitimate contender.
