Cutter Gauthier Nets Winning Goal as Ducks Beat Canadiens
Montreal – In a thrilling evening of hockey, Cutter Gauthier scored the decisive goal with just 2:30 remaining, leading the Ducks to a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night and securing their position atop the Pacific Division.
Gauthier’s game-winning goal came from close range, thanks to a behind-the-back pass from teammate Jeffrey Viel, who set up the shot that beat Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler.
The Ducks’ line-up also saw Troy Terry’s strong return from an upper-body injury, as he contributed a goal and two assists. This victory improves the Ducks’ record to 37-27-3, positioning them one point ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights. Chris Kreider added two assists, while goalie Lukas Dostal made 27 saves.
Terry, who had missed the previous nine games, played a pivotal role in tying the game 3-3 during an eventful second period. His pass deflected off Montreal forward Josh Anderson’s skate and flew over Fowler’s shoulder with just 4:21 left in the period.
Montreal’s offensive effort included a goal and an assist from Nick Suzuki, along with additional goals from Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield. Fowler recorded 24 saves in his second game since being recalled from the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket on Wednesday.
The Canadiens faced this loss coming off a previous defeat to the San Jose Sharks, leaving them third in the Atlantic Division, two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In a notable debut, defenseman John Carlson took to the ice for the Ducks following a trade with Washington. He logged 23 minutes of ice time after recovering from a lower-body injury.
The game was marred by an injury to Canadiens forward Kirby Dach, who left early after a high hit from Viel. Dach was struck just three minutes into the match while attempting to play the puck and fell to the ice in visible discomfort. This incident occurred shortly after Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas received a suspension for a knee-on-knee hit that ended Toronto captain Auston Matthews’ season.
As the Ducks celebrated their victory, the implications of both teams’ performances may resonate through the final stretch of the season.
