| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | OT | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| MTL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Canadiens, First Round Game 3, beat Lightning 3–2 in overtime at Bell Centre on April 24, 2026.
In Game 3 of the First Round playoff series, the Montreal Canadiens edged out the Tampa Bay Lightning in a thrilling overtime match, winning 3-2. With this victory, the Canadiens take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series. The Lightning now face growing pressure to respond as they look to avoid falling behind further in this pivotal matchup.
The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging goals early on. The Canadiens drew first blood with a goal from Alexandre Texier just under five minutes into the first period. The Lightning responded quickly, with Brayden Point netting the equalizer less than three minutes later.
In the second period, Brandon Hagel put the Lightning ahead 2-1, capitalizing on a crucial moment that could have shifted momentum. However, the Canadiens showed their resilience, tying the game at 2-2 when Kirby Dach scored midway through the second period. The remaining time elapsed without further scoring, leading to an intense overtime.
The key moment came at 2:09 in the overtime when Lane Hutson sealed the game for the Canadiens, scoring the winning goal with a setup from Texier and Bolduc. This goal not only secured the victory but also shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Canadiens.
Alexandre Texier was a standout player for the Canadiens, contributing significantly with a goal and an assist. Kirby Dach also made his mark by scoring a crucial tying goal and assisting earlier in the game. On the Lightning side, Brandon Hagel showcased his scoring touch, netting a goal to give Tampa Bay the brief lead, while Brayden Point continued to be a threat with his timely goal.
Both teams had their fair share of physical play, with the Canadiens delivering 36 hits compared to Tampa Bay’s 31, showing their intention to impose a strong presence throughout the game.
The Canadiens have seized the momentum in the series, leading 2-1, with the next game looming large for the Lightning. They will need to regroup and adjust if they hope to level the series in Game 4. The pressure is on as they return to the ice, facing a crucial matchup that could define the rest of their playoff journey.
Canadiens won 3–2 in overtime.
The final score was Lightning 2, Canadiens 3, in overtime.
Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point.
Alexandre Texier, Kirby Dach, Lane Hutson.
Andrei Vasilevskiy made 26 saves on 29 shots (.897 save percentage).
Jakub Dobes made 15 saves on 17 shots (.882 save percentage).
At Bell Centre in Montréal, the Canadiens home rink.
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