Montreal Canadiens Face Record-Breaking Loss in Overtime
A game that was supposed to be a regular mid-week NHL match-up ended in complete chaos, after the Montreal Canadiens suffered a record-breaking collapse against the Winnipeg Jets, just weeks after the Jets lost their most valuable goalie.
After a truly shocking loss for the Canadiens, many fans were left dumbfounded by the result, particularly after a 4-0 lead up into the third period. Jets fans will undoubtedly carry this success for weeks to come, especially after losing their number one goalie, Connor Hellebuyck in a disastrous trade.
The game started in favour of the Habs, as they got three shots-on-goal in the third minute of the game before Owen Beck scored the first goal. The game continued with both teams pushing for results. With just over a minute left, Montreal got their second, courtesy of Josh Anderson, ending the first period at 2-0.
The second period saw the Jets step up, but Montreal still had the upper hand with Cole Caulfield scoring the only goal of the period, bringing the Canadiens to a 3-0 lead.
The final period was when the chaos really kicked in, a 3-0 lead with 20 minutes to go was a good result for the Montreal side and they knew it. The first minute saw Caulfield score his second of the game, sending early celebrations flying. They continued to push through the game as usual, but the confidence began to border on acceptance of a win, and that very reasoning became their downfall.
With just 2 and a half minutes left on the clock, Winnipeg’s Tyrel Bauer scored their first, and just 40 seconds later, Morgan Barren got their second. As the Jets climbed up the scoreboard, reality hit for the Canadiens, it wasn't over.
60 seconds left on the clock at a 4-2 score. Just 3 minutes before, the score was 4-0.
Did Winnipeg really have a chance?
Yes. Yes they did. Kyle Connor scored their third as the timer hit one minute, and then once again with 33 seconds left. No further goals in regulation.
The teams recollected for an intense over time. The locker room talks could not have been more different. The Habs were disappointed with giving up such a strong lead in such a short amount of time, whilst the Jets would’ve been overjoyed by the result.
Over time began. 5 on 5. The first goal wins.
With a minute and 30 seconds left, Dylan Samberg brought it home for the Jets and set a new NHL record.
Latest four goal comeback in League history.
After the game, chaos continued, with Canadiens player Cole Caulfield taking to the press to express his disappointment.
“We had a four goal lead. There’s no excuse for this. Terrible… some guys thought the game was over.”
As easy as it can be to play the “blame game,” it was a shock loss and the whole team would’ve been crushed with the results.
Without their captain, Nick Suzuki and his insane skill working the ice, the team noticed a difference and their play revealed it too. On Suzuki’s return, the Canadiens will likely return to standard form.
The Winnipeg Jets not only broke records and shocked the hockey world, but ended their own misfortune. Before the Montreal match-up, the Jets held a 9 game losing streak, and had lost their Olympic gold winning Goalkeeper, Connor Hellebuyck who had played with Winnipeg for 11 seasons, before a heated trade request and contract standoff.
This game meant more for them than most people could expect, the renewed hope may be the guiding light they need to push for glory this season.
Looking forward, both teams would have learnt a lot from this game, and will be looking to top their divisions early in the season.
With the return of Suzuki, the Canadiens will continue to look strong this year, and the Winnipeg rebuild after losing Hellebuyck might finally be showing results.
Article Written by Milla Sinfield © Milla Sinfield 2026
