| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | OT | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| TBL | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Lightning, First Round Game 2, beat Canadiens 3–2 in overtime at AMALIE Arena on April 21, 2026.
The Tampa Bay Lightning bounced back in a thrilling overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens, winning 3-2 in Game 2 of the First Round playoff series. This result ties the series 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting showdown as both teams look to gain the upper hand in this best-of-7 matchup.
The game was filled with momentum shifts, starting with Brandon Hagel opening the scoring for the Lightning just over eight minutes into the first period. However, the Canadiens quickly responded with Lane Hutson's goal late in the first, making it 1-1. The second period saw Montreal take the lead with Josh Anderson’s goal, putting Tampa Bay in a tight spot down 2-1 heading into the final frame.
Tampa Bay’s resilience shone through in the third period when Nikita Kucherov tied the game at 2-2, igniting the home crowd and swinging momentum back in favor of the Lightning. The tension carried into overtime, where J.J. Moser sealed the victory for Tampa Bay with a timely goal just under 13 minutes into the extra period, ensuring the Lightning would go home with momentum on their side.
Brandon Hagel had a significant impact, contributing one goal and one assist. His energy was critical in pushing the Lightning forward after a tough start to the series. Nikita Kucherov also stepped up, with his equalizing goal showcasing his clutch playoff skills. Anthony Cirelli played a pivotal role, assisting on both of Tampa's late goals, further demonstrating his importance to the team’s success.
For the Canadiens, Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson notably found the back of the net, showing their offensive capabilities. Nick Suzuki continued to be a strong playmaker, earning an assist on Hutson's goal, but it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome the Lightning in overtime.
With the series now tied, both teams will head back to Montreal for Game 3, providing the Canadiens with the opportunity to reclaim home-ice advantage. The Lightning, having evened the series, will look to capitalize on their momentum and build on tonight's success as they aim for a crucial edge in the upcoming games. Adjustments on both sides will be key, making the next game a must-watch for fans.
Lightning won 3–2 in overtime.
The final score was Canadiens 2, Lightning 3, in overtime.
Josh Anderson, Lane Hutson.
Brandon Hagel, J.J. Moser, Nikita Kucherov.
Jakub Dobes made 31 saves on 34 shots (.912 save percentage).
Andrei Vasilevskiy made 25 saves on 27 shots (.926 save percentage).
At AMALIE Arena in Tampa, the Lightning home rink.
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