Summary Context

Home context · Montréal Canadiens

Best Scorer

Juraj Slafkovsky with 3

Most Assists

Nick Suzuki with 4

Last Five W L OT/SO

Away context · Tampa Bay Lightning

Best Scorer

Brandon Hagel with 4

Most Assists

Jake Guentzel with 5

Last Five W L OT/SO

AI Preview AI

**First Round Playoff Preview: Canadiens vs. Lightning (Game 4)** Tonight’s pivotal matchup in the First Round sees the Canadiens facing off against the Lightning in Game 4, with the Canadiens leading the series 2-1. Both squads are looking to gain momentum as they fight for a potential series victory in this best-of-7 matchup. The Lightning finished the regular season strong, showcasing resilience and a solid points percentage. Meanwhile, the Canadiens had a more turbulent year yet managed to compete effectively, making this playoff run a testament to their growth. In terms of recent form, the Lightning hold a 2-1-2 record over their last five games, highlighted by **Brandon Hagel** with 4 goals and **Jake Guentzel** providing 5 assists. The Canadiens enter with a 3-1-1 record, propelled by **Juraj Slafkovsky’s** 3 goals and **Nick Suzuki’s** 4 assists. The Lightning benefit from home-ice advantage tonight, having won their previous home game. Historically in this series, the Canadiens have thrived on their own ice but have struggled in Tampa, making tonight's game crucial for shifting that trend. Given their recent form and the energetic atmosphere expected in Tampa, the edge appears to tilt toward the Lightning this evening. A win would help them equalize the series and keep their championship hopes alive. Expect nothing less than a hard-fought clash as both teams aim to seize control!

Recent Matchups Last 5

Apr 24, 2026

Lightning @ Canadiens

2–3 (OT)

Apr 21, 2026

Canadiens @ Lightning

2–3 (OT)

Apr 19, 2026

Canadiens @ Lightning

4–3 (OT)

Apr 9, 2026

Lightning @ Canadiens

1–2

Mar 31, 2026

Canadiens @ Lightning

4–1

Canadiens Goals

Zachary Bolduc (2nd • 10:06)

Assisted by Kaiden Guhle , Alexandre Texier

Cole Caufield (2nd • 13:29)

Assisted by Nick Suzuki , Lane Hutson

Lightning Goals

Jake Guentzel (2nd • 19:06)

Assisted by J.J. Moser , Darren Raddysh

Brandon Hagel (3rd • 01:40)

Assisted by Nikita Kucherov , Jake Guentzel

Brandon Hagel (3rd • 15:07)

Assisted by Nikita Kucherov , J.J. Moser

	Home	Away
Teams	Canadiens	Lightning
Goals	2	3
Shots	18	20
Power Play Goals	1	1
Penalty Minutes	18	16
Hits	50	28

AI Game Recap AI

Series Tied 2-2: Lightning Edges Canadiens in Game 4

The Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a critical Game 4 of the First Round playoff series. The game saw the Lightning come from behind to win 3-2, tying the series at 2-2. With both teams battling for the upper hand, the pressure is now on the Canadiens as they head into the next game.

Series Update

This game marked the fourth matchup in a best-of-seven series. With the series now tied at 2-2, both teams are vying for the chance to advance further in the playoffs. The Lightning's victory not only kept their championship hopes alive but also shifted the momentum back to their favor, showcasing their resilience.

Turning Point

The Canadiens started strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the second period with goals from Zachary Bolduc and Cole Caufield. Bolduc scored at 10:06, followed shortly by Caufield's strike at 13:29. However, the Lightning turned the tide with a crucial goal from Jake Guentzel just before the end of the second period at 19:06, closing the gap to 2-1. This late-period goal shifted the momentum, giving Tampa Bay the boost they needed entering the final frame.

In the third period, the Lightning continued to build on their momentum. Brandon Hagel scored twice within a span of 13 minutes, first equalizing the game at 1:40 and then sealing the victory at 15:07. His standout performance underscored the Lightning's determination and ability to capitalize on the Canadiens' momentary lapse.

Standout Performances

For the Canadiens, Zachary Bolduc and Cole Caufield were the notable contributors, each scoring a goal. Nick Suzuki also played a key role by providing an assist on Caufield's goal. However, it was the Lightning’s offense that shone brighter overall. Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel was the game's standout player, netting two crucial goals that turned the game's outcome in his team's favor. Jake Guentzel also played a significant part, contributing a goal and an assist.

What's Next

As the series heads into Game 5, both teams will be looking to assert their dominance. The Canadiens must regroup after this close loss to regain their home-ice advantage while the Lightning will aim to build on their newfound momentum. Excitement builds as the series continues, and fans can expect fierce competition in the upcoming game.