Imagine this: a hockey game where the momentum swings like a pendulum, and just when you think it’s over, the underdogs pull off a stunning comeback in overtime. That’s exactly what happened on January 18, 2026, when the Montreal Canadiens faced the Ottawa Senators in a thrilling 6-5 showdown. But here’s where it gets controversial—was it sheer skill or a stroke of luck that allowed Montreal to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? Let’s dive in.
The Canadiens found themselves trailing 5-3 late in the third period, but they weren’t ready to throw in the towel. With just 4:24 left on the clock, Juraj Slafkovsky tipped in a shot from Lane Hutson, narrowing the gap to one goal. And this is the part most people miss—just 65 seconds later, Alexandre Carrier tied the game with a glove-side shot past Ottawa’s Leevi Merilainen. Overtime was anyone’s game, and Cole Caufield sealed the deal with his second goal of the night just 33 seconds in, completing the comeback.
Now, let’s talk about the Senators. Jake Sanderson seemed to secure their lead with his 10th goal of the season early in the third, but it wasn’t enough. Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Dylan Cozens, and David Perron also found the back of the net, yet Ottawa’s efforts fell short. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Did the Senators underestimate Montreal’s resilience, or was it simply a matter of momentum shifting at the wrong time?
The game wasn’t without its twists. Ottawa started the second period with a two-man advantage, and Tkachuk capitalized just 42 seconds in. Later, Artem Zub’s shot deflected off Perron’s skate, giving the Senators their first lead. Montreal even had a goal called back midway through the period, only to regain it on a power play thanks to Nick Suzuki’s tenacity and Caufield’s precision.
One record-breaking moment stood out: Lane Hutson notched three assists, surpassing Henri Richard for the most assists by a Canadiens player aged 21 or younger in franchise history. Is Hutson the next big star in Montreal’s lineup, or is this just a fleeting moment of glory?
Looking ahead, the Canadiens host Minnesota on Tuesday, while the Senators visit Detroit on Sunday. But before we move on, let’s spark some debate: Did Montreal’s win highlight their determination, or did Ottawa’s late-game collapse reveal deeper issues? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
