Friday night at the Honda Center was a masterclass in resilience as the Anaheim Ducks continued their surge toward the postseason. In a back-and-forth affair that saw momentum swing like a pendulum, the Ducks relied on a veteran acquisition and their uncanny shootout prowess to secure a 6-5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
Chris Kreider Saves the Day
The headline of the night belonged to Chris Kreider. The former Rangers legend, who has found a second wind in Southern California, matched his career high with a four-point performance. With the Ducks trailing 5-4 and the clock ticking down, Kreider proved exactly why general manager Pat Verbeek brought him to Anaheim. With just 42 seconds remaining in regulation and the net empty, Kreider tipped a Jacob Trouba point shot past Montreal’s Samuel Montembeault to force overtime.
Kreider’s night didn’t stop at the tying goal; he was the primary engine for the Ducks' offense throughout the game, finishing with one goal and three assists. His veteran presence has been a stabilizing force for a young Anaheim roster that has now won seven of its last eight contests.
Perfection in the Shootout
While the game was a wild offensive showcase, the Anaheim Ducks once again proved they are the NHL’s gold standard when it comes to the shootout. Despite uncharacteristic misses from stars like Mason McTavish, the Ducks improved to a perfect 8-0 in shootouts this season. The marathon session finally ended in the sixth round when Alex Killorn beat Montembeault with a clinical finish to seal the extra point.
Goaltender Lukas Dostal had a difficult night in regulation, allowing five goals on 28 shots, but he redeemed himself when it mattered most. Dostal stood tall in the shootout, denying several of Montreal’s elite shooters to preserve the victory and help Anaheim earn its 19th comeback win of the season—a mark that currently ties them with the Canadiens for the league lead.
A Battle of Rising Stars
Before the late-game dramatics, the contest served as a showcase for the league's premier young talent. The scoring started almost immediately when Cutter Gauthier snapped his 32nd goal of the season just 33 seconds into the first period. Gauthier has been on a tear since the Olympic break, netting seven goals in his last five games.
The Montreal Canadiens responded quickly, led by captain Nick Suzuki, who secured his fifth consecutive 20-goal season just moments after Gauthier’s opener. Montreal’s offense was largely driven by the dynamic duo of Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson. Caufield scored twice in the third period to briefly give Montreal the lead, while Hutson, the rookie sensation, finished the night with a goal and two assists.
Key Performances and Statistics:
- Chris Kreider (ANA): 1 Goal, 3 Assists, 4 Points
- Cole Caufield (MTL): 2 Goals, 1 Assist, 3 Points
- Lane Hutson (MTL): 1 Goal, 2 Assists, 3 Points
- Cutter Gauthier (ANA): 1 Goal (32nd of season), Shootout Goal
- Alex Killorn (ANA): Shootout Winner
Looking Ahead for Anaheim and Montreal
With this win, the Ducks continue to solidify their position in the Western Conference standings. Their ability to win close games and navigate high-pressure shootout situations has become a defining characteristic of their 2025-26 campaign. For the Canadiens, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow after leading late in the third period, marking their fourth loss in their last six outings.
Both teams will have little time to dwell on this result as the NHL season enters its final stretch. If Friday night was any indication, the Anaheim Ducks are a team that simply refuses to go away, no matter the deficit.
Sources & Original Reporting
