Imagine a hockey game so intense, it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last second. That’s exactly what happened when the Boston Bruins clashed with the Montreal Canadiens on January 24, 2026, in a matchup that had fans buzzing long after the final buzzer. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it Morgan Geekie’s clutch performance or Cole Caufield’s historic hat trick that stole the show? Let’s dive in.
The Bruins emerged victorious with a 4-3 win, thanks to Morgan Geekie’s 100th career goal, which came with just 5:53 left on the clock. This milestone marker broke a tense tie and secured Boston’s tenth win in their last twelve games. Geekie’s heroics didn’t stop there—his first goal of the night had already evened the score at 2-2 during a power play, showcasing his ability to shine under pressure. And this is the part most people miss: his game-winner came a mere 12 seconds after Fraser Minten’s backhander tied the game at 3-3, proving that timing is everything in hockey.
Speaking of standout performances, Cole Caufield delivered a hat trick for the Canadiens, becoming the first Montreal skater to achieve this feat in Boston since 1997. Caufield’s goals were nothing short of spectacular—his second and third, both power-play strikes, were nearly identical one-timers from just below the left circle. His performance extended his point streak to five games and brought his season total to 29 goals. Bold question: Is Caufield the most underrated sniper in the league right now?
Boston’s power play unit was on fire, converting 3 of 4 opportunities, while Montreal managed 2 out of 3. Viktor Arvidsson added a goal for the Bruins, and Charlie McAvoy contributed three assists, further solidifying Boston’s dominance at TD Garden, where they’ve won seven straight. Jeremy Swayman’s 22 saves were crucial in keeping the Bruins ahead, while Samuel Montembeault made 17 stops for the Canadiens.
The game’s momentum swung wildly, with four power-play goals scored in the second period alone. David Pastrnak’s pinpoint pass set up Geekie’s first goal, highlighting the Bruins’ ability to capitalize on special teams. Meanwhile, Caufield’s hat trick showcased Montreal’s resilience, even as they fell just short.
Looking ahead, the Canadiens host the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, while the Bruins travel to face the New York Rangers on Monday. Thought-provoking question for you: Which team’s performance in this game was more impressive—Boston’s clutch finishing or Montreal’s relentless effort? Let us know in the comments below!
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