Canadian Teams Morning Review – Dec. 31: Canadiens, Maple Leafs & Canucks
Tuesday night had a little bit of everything for Canadian hockey fans: the highs of comebacks, the quiet satisfaction of a team finding ways to win despite injuries, and the frustration of momentum slipping away despite a strong start. Across the country, Canadian teams showed both promise and warning signs, reminding fans how quickly the tide can turn in this game.
Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver each had its own story. The Canadiens pulled off a dramatic finish, leaning on urgency and timing to snatch a win in overtime. The Maple Leafs relied on depth and a hot goaltender to grind out a shutout, proving that patience and structure can carry a team. And the Canucks? Well, they flashed early dominance before letting adjustments and experience on the other side tilt the game in their favour. Together, the night was a microcosm of the midseason grind: effort matters, but execution and composure matter more.
There’s a shared lesson here for Canadian teams: starts are nice, but they don’t guarantee anything. Finishes—late goals, crucial saves, and sustained play—define results. And as the calendar flips to 2026, these games hint at who may ride momentum and who still has work to do.
Montreal Canadiens: Suzuki’s Overtime Heroics
The Canadiens staged a near-impossible comeback, rallying from a two-goal deficit in the final five minutes to beat Florida 3–2 in overtime. It wasn’t just a scoreline; it was a statement that Montreal can grind, press, and capitalize when the clock is against them. Nick Suzuki was the catalyst. After tying the game late in regulation, he struck again on the power play in overtime, turning frustration into triumph.
The defining stretch came in the final ten minutes of regulation. Florida, which had seemed in control, suddenly left gaps. Montreal’s push in the final minutes turned a solid Florida lead into a tie, proving it’s not just skill but knowing when to strike that can change a game. Looking ahead, Montreal carries not just the win but a confidence boost into Carolina. Florida, meanwhile, is reminded that even well-oiled teams can stumble if they mismanage a late stretch.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Depth and Woll Carry the Day
Toronto’s depth and goaltending helped them take a 4–0 win over New Jersey. Without Nylander, Matthews, Tanev, or Joshua, the Maple Leafs had every reason to struggle—but Joseph Woll’s 33 saves and calm presence in net allowed the team to play confidently. Bobby McMann stood out, scoring on a late first-period power play and helping set up a second goal for Nicolas Roy.
The defining moment came late in the second when Woll made a key stop on Jesper Bratt’s wrister during a Devils power play, preserving the lead and keeping Toronto in control. This was a disciplined, structured win—no flair needed, just the sort of patient, error-free hockey that wins games when the top stars are missing.
New Jersey’s four-game slide continues, while Toronto now has three wins in four games. The Maple Leafs will soon test that depth further against Winnipeg, with Woll and secondary scoring set to carry them through if injuries linger.
Vancouver Canucks: Early Promise Slips Away
Vancouver’s night started like it could be special. The Canucks outshot Philadelphia 10–0 in the first ten minutes, showing pace, pressure, and purpose. But then Carl Grundstrom scored early in the second, and momentum tilted firmly to the Flyers, who never looked back. Dan Vladar stopped 32 shots to steady his side as the Canucks faded.
Thatcher Demko faced 31 shots and allowed four goals, but his play was steadier than the score suggests. The defining moment was Grundstrom’s goal—suddenly, Vancouver was chasing, and what had been a controlled game became a series of adjustments. Drew O’Connor provided a spark, scoring and assisting, showing chemistry with David Kämpf even as the night slipped away.
Vancouver’s challenge remains clear: promising starts mean little if the team cannot sustain pressure or adapt when the opposition makes adjustments. With Seattle and Boston on a back-to-back, the Canucks will need more than flashes—they’ll need consistency.
The Bottom Line for Canada’s Teams Last Night
Tuesday night offered Canadian fans a study in contrasts. Montreal reminded everyone of the power of timing and opportunism, Toronto leaned on depth and a hot goalie, and Vancouver highlighted the fragility of early momentum. As 2025 closes and 2026 begins, these games underscore the midseason grind: resilience matters, but consistency defines which teams can carry hope into the new year.