"D corps isn’t fit for the NHL. Barely AHL worthy": Fans bash Vancouver Canucks defense after blowing 3-1 lead in OT loss to Canadiens 

The Montreal Canadiens extended their winning streak on Monday, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 in an overtime thriller at Bell Centre. The win marked the Canadiens' eighth win in their last 10 games.

The Canucks, meanwhile, suffered their seventh loss in the last 10 games, despite a strong start. Coming off a disappointing 3-0 shutout loss to the Nashville Predators on Friday, Vancouver was eager to bounce back with the return of captain Quinn Hughes, who had missed four games. The Canucks led 3-1 in the second period but ultimately fell short, losing 5-4.

With Vancouver clinging to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, a win against Montreal was crucial. However, Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki's game-winning overtime goal secured a vital victory for the hosts, sending the 21,000-strong crowd into a frenzy and earning the Canadiens two crucial points.

The Montreal Canadiens drew first blood, courtesy of right-winger Cole Caufield's goal just 1:07 into the first period. However, the Vancouver Canucks quickly responded, with J.T. Miller scoring his first goal of the night to tie the game 1-1 midway through the period.

In the second period, Miller struck again at 3:21, giving the Canucks a 2-1 lead. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, just 20 years old, extended the lead to 3-1 with a goal moments later.

Undeterred, the Canadiens mounted a comeback, scoring three consecutive goals. Defender Kaiden Guhle narrowed the deficit to 3-2 with a goal at 10:35. In the third period, center Kirby Dach tied the game 3-3 at 2:01, and 20-year-old Lane Hutson gave the hosts a 4-3 lead at 6:54.

The Canucks refused to give up, with left-winger Jake DeBrusk scoring a power-play goal at 8:51 to tie the game 4-4 and send it to overtime. In the extra frame, Suzuki sealed the win for the Canadiens with a power-play goal just 48 seconds in.

The Canucks' collapse after leading 3-1 sparked widespread frustration among fans, who took to social media to express their disappointment and criticize the team's lackluster performance.

"You can always count on this team to blow multi-goal leads and lose in overtime. 3-4-3 in last 10 is terrible," wrote one fan on X/Twitter.

"Just OT is not our thing. Move on everybody," one fan said.

"D corps isn’t fit for the NHL. Barely AHL worthy," a fan said.

The Vancouver Canucks' recent struggles, marked by a 4-5-5 record in their last 14 games, have sparked growing discontent among fans, who are increasingly questioning coach Rick Tocchet's coaching style and tactics.

"Fire Tocchet already why is this dude still the coach unreal," wrote one fan.

"Another 3-1 lead blown how much more is it gonna take for a change? Allvin and Tocchet both bald frauds," another fan said.

"At this point this is all on management. This team is pathetic," reacted another.

"Toccet and his entire staff are awful," one fan added.

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes plays 400th game in loss to Montreal Canadiens

NHL: San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn

The Canucks' 5-4 overtime loss to the Canadiens on Monday was tempered by the welcome return of captain Quinn Hughes, who missed the previous four games due to an upper-body injury. Hughes, a Norris Trophy winner, has been a driving force behind the Canucks' success this season, playing in all 34 games before his injury and recording eight goals and 34 assists.

In his absence, the Canucks struggled, losing three of the four games. However, Hughes' return to the lineup marked a significant milestone, as he played his 400th game for Vancouver. This game also kicked off the Canucks' five-match road trip, and despite the loss, Hughes' presence was a boost to the team.