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Before tonight’s game against Montreal, the Florida Panthers’ head coach spoke with rare respect-the kind that sticks.
He described the Canadiens as a very fast and dynamic team, especially on defense, emphasizing their talent and how quickly it comes together. When the opposing bench gives you praise, you take it.
That respect has been earned by Montreal through the numbers. In 2024-2025, the Montreal Canadiens finished with a 40-31-11 record. Cole Caufield led the team with 37 goals, and Nick Suzuki finished as the leading scorer with 89 points, including 59 assists.
Paul Maurice just said out loud what many think about the Canadiens
Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice today on the Habs:
“There’s no sense skating all over the ice against this team cause you won’t catch them…Their game is markedly different than it was two years ago…Every team in the NHL has a style and I think in some ways Montreal is kind of a new team. A new style of game. Cause theirs is still changing as they become more mature…Montreal is an evolving, changing, highly skilled team. So we’re still learning how to play against them.”
– Via HabsOnReddit
And on the ice, it followed with a story that still brings a smile. On December 30, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena, Montreal defeated the Panthers 3-2 in overtime after trailing 2-0 late in the third period.
Florida’s two goals came in the third period. Then Caufield cut the deficit, and Suzuki tied the game. In overtime, Suzuki completed the comeback with the game-winning goal.
Maurice talks about a disruptive identity, and then the Canadiens flip everything in the final minutes without panicking. That comes with the territory when a team starts forcing respect, game after game.
The best part is that this kind of comment comes from a coach who has seen it all and chooses his words carefully. When that happens, you know Montreal is no longer just a team people watch from afar.
Tonight’s rematch promises to be a good one!
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