Nick Suzuki’s 10 Best Goals

The overtime winner that saved the 2021 playoff run against Toronto

Few goals in recent Canadiens history carry as much weight as Nick Suzuki’s overtime winner in Game 5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 27, 2021. After blowing a three-goal lead in the third period, the Canadiens found themselves in a precarious position, facing elimination if they couldn’t recover. Just 59 seconds into overtime, Suzuki buried a setup from Cole Caufield to give Montreal a 4-3 victory and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The goal came after an Alex Galchenyuk turnover deep in Toronto’s zone, with the puck eventually finding its way to Caufield, who made a perfect pass to Suzuki in the slot. The young center didn’t hesitate, firing a quick shot past Jack Campbell to send the Bell Centre into pandemonium. The victory proved pivotal as Montreal eventually eliminated the Maple Leafs in seven games and went on an improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final.

What made this goal so special wasn’t just the circumstances, but how Suzuki handled the pressure at just 21 years old. After watching his team squander a commanding lead, he showed no panic or hesitation when the opportunity presented itself. His calm demeanor and lethal finishing touch in the biggest moment of his young career signaled that Montreal had found a legitimate franchise player.

The partnership with Caufield on this goal also foreshadowed one of the most productive duos in recent Canadiens history. Their chemistry would only grow stronger over the following seasons, with each player elevating the other’s game. This overtime winner remains one of the most iconic goals in recent playoff history for the franchise.

The Datsyuk-style flip on the penalty shot

On October 20, 2022, Nick Suzuki delivered one of the most audacious and skillful goals of the entire NHL season when he pulled off a Pavel Datsyuk-inspired flip move on a penalty shot against the Arizona Coyotes. After being hauled down by Clayton Keller, Suzuki approached Connor Ingram with deceptive speed before executing a perfect lacrosse-style flip that saw the puck sail over the goaltender’s shoulder and into the net.

The Bell Centre crowd erupted as Suzuki celebrated what was immediately recognized as a goal-of-the-year candidate. The move required incredible hand-eye coordination, confidence, and timing. Suzuki had to scoop the puck onto his blade while maintaining his forward momentum, then flick it high enough to clear Ingram’s glove while ensuring it stayed low enough to go under the crossbar.

What made this goal even more impressive was Suzuki’s growing reputation as a penalty shot and shootout specialist. By this point in his career, he had already developed a reputation for creative finishes in one-on-one situations with goaltenders. This particular goal added another dimension to his arsenal and showed that he wasn’t afraid to try something spectacular on hockey’s biggest stage.

The nonchalant reaction from Suzuki after the goal perfectly encapsulated his personality. While his teammates mobbed him in celebration, the captain simply skated back to the bench with a slight smile, as if he had expected nothing less than perfection. It was a moment that demonstrated both his supreme skill and his ice-cold composure.

First career NHL goal against Minnesota

Every player remembers their first NHL goal, and Nick Suzuki’s inaugural tally came on October 17, 2019, against the Minnesota Wild at the Bell Centre. Late in the first period of a game that would end 4-0 in Montreal’s favor, Suzuki corralled a redirected Jeff Petry shot and buried his backhand into the empty cage to make it 3-0 for the Canadiens.

The goal may not have been the prettiest of his career, but its significance cannot be overstated. After being acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Max Pacioretty trade, Suzuki arrived in Montreal with enormous expectations. Scoring in his first home game wearing the bleu-blanc-rouge helped ease some of the pressure and announced his arrival to the Montreal faithful.

What stands out about this goal in retrospect is how it represented the beginning of a remarkable career trajectory. Suzuki would go on to become one of the most consistent scorers in franchise history, eventually wearing the captain’s C. But it all started with that relatively simple tap-in against Minnesota, a moment that marked the first of what would become over 100 career goals.

The circumstances surrounding the goal also highlighted Suzuki’s hockey sense. He was in the right position to capitalize on the rebound, showing the kind of net-front awareness that would become a hallmark of his game. While defenders Victor Mete also scored his first NHL goal in the same game, it was Suzuki who would go on to become the face of the franchise’s rebuild.

The 100th career goal in overtime against Nashville

Milestone goals always carry special meaning, and Nick Suzuki’s 100th career NHL goal came in spectacular fashion on March 5, 2024, against the Nashville Predators. Just 17 seconds into overtime at Bridgestone Arena, Suzuki beat Juuse Saros with a tough-angle one-timer from the lower left circle to give Montreal a 4-3 victory.

After the goal, Suzuki admitted he “just fired it on net, honestly,” but the quick release and precision placement showed the instincts of a natural goal scorer. The puck beat Saros clean despite the difficult angle, finding the back of the net before the goaltender could fully react. It was the kind of opportunistic finish that has defined Suzuki’s career and helped him reach the century mark faster than many expected.

Reaching 100 career goals represented a significant milestone for a player who had arrived in Montreal with questions about his offensive ceiling. The Montreal Canadiens organization celebrated the achievement by highlighting his craftiest markers up to that point, showing just how diverse his goal-scoring repertoire had become.

The overtime setting made the goal even more memorable. Suzuki has consistently proven himself in high-pressure situations, and delivering his 100th goal in sudden-death overtime perfectly captured his clutch gene. It was another chapter in a growing legacy of big-time performances in crucial moments.

Back-to-back goals in 22 seconds against Buffalo

On November 11, 2024, Nick Suzuki put on an absolute clinic against the Buffalo Sabres, scoring twice in just 22 seconds late in the second period to completely flip the momentum of the game. The Canadiens captain finished with two goals and two assists in a wild 7-5 victory that snapped a six-game winless streak for Montreal.

The rapid-fire sequence began with Suzuki tying the game at 3-3 on assists from Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky. Before the Sabres could even catch their breath, Slafkovsky’s brilliant forechecking in Buffalo’s zone created another opportunity, feeding Suzuki for the go-ahead goal and a 4-3 advantage. The KeyBank Center crowd sat stunned as Montreal’s captain single-handedly wrestled control of the game.

What made this performance so impressive was the timing. Montreal had struggled mightily during their six-game slide, and they desperately needed someone to step up and change the narrative. Suzuki answered the call in emphatic fashion, showing the kind of leadership and offensive explosion that validates his status as team captain.

The back-to-back goals also showcased Suzuki’s versatility as a scorer. The first came from a well-timed shot in traffic, while the second demonstrated his ability to capitalize on chances created by his linemates’ hard work. It was a masterclass in being in the right place at the right time and having the finish to convert when opportunities arise.

Power play overtime winner against Vancouver

Nick Suzuki has made a habit of scoring crucial overtime goals throughout his career, but his power-play winner against the Vancouver Canucks on January 6, 2025, stood out for its rarity and importance. Just 48 seconds into the extra frame, Suzuki beat Kevin Lankinen with a perfectly placed shot to give Montreal a 5-4 victory and extend their hot streak.

Power-play goals in overtime are uncommon in the NHL, making this strike particularly memorable. The Canadiens had struggled to close out games during stretches of the season, but Suzuki’s quick strike ensured there would be no drama on this night. He also added two assists in the game, finishing with three points in a performance that exemplified his complete offensive game.

The goal came during a period when Montreal was building momentum and trying to climb back into playoff contention. Suzuki’s ability to deliver in these situations has been a constant throughout his tenure as captain, and this particular goal helped fuel what would become an impressive stretch of hockey for the Canadiens.

What separates elite players from good ones is often their performance in overtime situations where there’s no margin for error. Suzuki has repeatedly proven he belongs in the elite category, with multiple overtime winners to his name. This power-play strike against Vancouver added another chapter to his clutch résumé.

The momentum-shifting strike in Columbus

While not as celebrated as some of his other goals, Suzuki’s overtime winner against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 27, 2024, demonstrated his persistence and determination. After whipping his own rebound past Elvis Merzlikins for a 4-3 victory, Suzuki showed the kind of tenacity that has become his trademark.

The goal came after Suzuki generated the initial scoring chance, then followed his shot to the net to capitalize on the rebound. It was textbook hockey fundamentals executed at the highest level—shoot, drive to the net, score on the rebound. While more spectacular goals might garner more attention, this type of workmanlike finish is what separates consistent scorers from one-dimensional snipers.

The victory helped Montreal gain crucial points in a competitive Eastern Conference playoff race. Every win matters in the NHL’s tight standings, and Suzuki’s ability to find the back of the net in these critical moments has been invaluable to the Canadiens’ success during his tenure.

This goal also exemplified the leadership Suzuki brings to the ice. When his team needed a hero, their captain delivered without any flash or circumstance. Just hard work, determination, and the skill to finish when the opportunity presented itself.

The 30-goal season milestone against Carolina

When Nick Suzuki snapped home his 30th goal of the 2024-25 season against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 16, 2025, he reached a career milestone that cemented his status as an elite NHL center. Alexandre Carrier’s feed found Suzuki, who pinned it inside the near post to give Montreal a 2-1 advantage in the second period.

Reaching the 30-goal mark is a significant achievement for any player, but especially for a playmaking center who shoulders enormous defensive responsibilities. Suzuki’s ability to produce offensively while playing in all situations and matching up against opponents’ top lines makes his goal-scoring prowess even more impressive.

The 2024-25 campaign represented a career year for Suzuki, with the 30-goal season marking him as one of the league’s most productive forwards. He also led Montreal in game-winning goals with nine, tied for third in the NHL, showcasing his ability to score when it matters most.

This particular goal against Carolina epitomized Suzuki’s shooting accuracy and release. The shot placement gave goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov no chance, finding the smallest of openings between the post and the netminder’s pad. It was the kind of sniper’s finish that has become increasingly common as Suzuki has matured into one of the league’s most dangerous offensive threats.

The goal featured linking text to external content: 2024-25 campaign.

The toe-drag beauty that went viral

Throughout his career, Nick Suzuki has scored numerous goals that showcase his exceptional stickhandling ability, but one particular toe-drag finish generated widespread attention on social media and highlight reels. The goal demonstrated Suzuki’s ability to create space in tight quarters and finish with precision, even when defenders are draped all over him.

What makes Suzuki’s toe-drag goals so effective is the deception involved. Defenders think they have him contained, only to watch helplessly as he pulls the puck back onto his forehand and wires a shot past the goaltender before anyone can react. The move requires incredible hand-eye coordination and the confidence to execute it at full speed.

The nonchalant reaction after scoring this particular highlight-reel goal went viral on Reddit and other social media platforms. While his teammates celebrated enthusiastically, Suzuki simply glided back to the bench with barely a smile, as if pulling off such a move was just another day at the office. That cool demeanor has become part of his brand as a player who never seems rattled or overly emotional.

These types of goals also serve as evidence that Suzuki possesses elite-level skill, not just hockey intelligence. He can beat opponents with his brain or his hands, making him nearly impossible to defend consistently. When a player has that combination of skill and smarts, special things happen on the ice.

The playoff breakaway against Vegas

Before arriving in Montreal, Nick Suzuki spent time in the Vegas Golden Knights organization, where he flashed his potential in preseason action. One goal that captured attention came during an exhibition game when Suzuki deked out Thatcher Demko on a breakaway, showing the kind of confidence and skill that suggested he was ready for NHL action.

While this goal came before his NHL career officially began, it deserves mention because it provided an early glimpse of the player Suzuki would become. The composure he showed on the breakaway, the deceptive moves, and the clinical finish all pointed to a player with legitimate top-six potential at the NHL level.

Vegas fans probably wish they had held onto Suzuki rather than trading him to Montreal in the Pacioretty deal. The young center has developed into exactly the kind of player every team covets—a two-way center who can score, set up teammates, play in all situations, and lead by example both on and off the ice.

This early goal served as a preview of what was to come. The same moves, the same confidence, the same ability to finish in pressure situations would all become hallmarks of Suzuki’s NHL career. Sometimes, potential is just that—unfulfilled promise. But Suzuki has proven time and again that he was always the real deal.

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Nick Suzuki’s goal-scoring highlights tell the story of a player who has consistently risen to the occasion throughout his career. From his first NHL goal against Minnesota to his spectacular penalty shot wizardry, from clutch overtime winners to milestone markers, Suzuki has given Montreal Canadiens fans countless reasons to celebrate. His ability to score in every situation—even strength, power play, penalty shot, shootout, and overtime—makes him one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the league.

As Suzuki continues to develop and add to his impressive resume, there’s little doubt that more spectacular goals are on the horizon. The captain has already established himself as one of the premier centers in hockey, and his best years may still be ahead of him. Montreal’s decision to make him the face of their franchise has been validated time and again by performances like the ones highlighted above, and Habs fans can look forward to many more memorable moments from their leader for years to come.