Ex-knights prospect saves Canadiens’ season
TORONTO — Former Golden Knights prospect Nick Suzuki scored 59 seconds into overtime as the
Montreal Canadiens beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 on Thursday, rebounding after blowing a three-goal lead to cut their series deficit to 3-2 in the Original Six first-round matchup.
Cole Caufield intercepted Alex Galchenyuk’s pass in Montreal’s zone and moved in with Suzuki on a 2-on0. Suzuki made a pass to Caufield after crossing into Toronto’s zone, got the puck back from his rookie teammate and beat goaltender Jack Campbell to the blocker side.
A first-round draft pick by the Knights in 2017, Suzuki was dealt to Montreal as part of the package for Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty in September 2018.
Joel Armia scored twice, Jesperi Kotkaniemi added a goal, and Carey Price made 32 saves for Montreal. Jake Muzzin scored twice for Toronto. Zach Hyman added a goal, and Campbell stopped 26 shots.
■ Hurricanes 4, Predators 3, OT: At Nashville, Tenn., Sebastian Aho scored his second goal of the game 1:16 into overtime, capping Carolina’s rally from a twogoal deficit and clinching the series 4-2.
The Hurricanes next face defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay, the Central’s No. 3 seed. Brock Mcginn and Dougie Hamilton each had a goal and an assist for Carolina.
Mikael Granlund had a goal and an assist for Nashville, which led 3-1 in the second period and 3-2 in the third. Hamilton tied it with 6:01 left in the third after Juuse Saros had stopped the Hurricanes’ first 13 shots of the period.