MONTREAL MIRACLE: Canadiens Pull Off Greatest Comeback in NHL History—Rookie Scores OT Winner After Emotional Tribute to Late Father
Montreal, QC — Hockey fans across the globe are still trying to process what they witnessed last night at the Bell Centre: a comeback so impossible, so emotionally charged, it’s already being called the greatest moment in Montreal Canadiens history.
Down 5–0 entering the third period against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Canadiens roared back with six unanswered goals—capped off by an overtime winner from 19-year-old rookie forward Lucas Dufresne, who was playing in just his fourth NHL game.
But what made the goal even more surreal was the timing.
Just hours before puck drop, the team announced that Dufresne had decided to play despite the passing of his father, Jacques Dufresne, a former junior league coach and lifelong Habs fan who lost his battle with cancer early that morning.
In a post-game interview, the young forward was visibly emotional.
> “This one’s for him,” Dufresne said, holding back tears. “He taught me everything. He always told me to never give up—no matter the score, no matter the odds. I could feel him out there tonight.”
The Canadiens’ comeback started with two quick goals from captain Nick Suzuki early in the third, igniting the 21,000-strong crowd. Cole Caufield added another, followed by a shorthanded beauty from Kirby Dach. The tying goal came with just 17 seconds left in regulation when Brendan Gallagher banged home a rebound.
But the building nearly exploded in overtime when Dufresne took a stretch pass from David Savard, split two defenders, and roofed the puck glove-side past a stunned opposing goalie. The rookie dropped to his knees, pointed to the sky, and was immediately mobbed by teammates in what looked more like a movie ending than a hockey game.
Fans flooded social media with tributes, with hashtags like #ForJacques and #HabsMiracle trending worldwide within minutes. NHL legends, celebrities, and even rival players praised the performance, calling it “the most inspiring moment in sports this year.”
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis called it “the proudest night” of his coaching career.
> “I’ve never seen anything like it. That kid showed more heart tonight than most do in a lifetime. This is why we love this game.”
The NHL has confirmed that the comeback tied the record for largest third-period deficit overcome in league history—but with the added emotion and narrative, many are already calling it the most unforgettable.
The Canadiens now ride a wave of momentum, but more importantly, they’ve reminded the world why hockey is more than just a game.
