TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – J.J. Moser scored at 12:48 of overtime, securing a 3-2 victory for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night.
This win ties the first-round playoff series at one game each.
The series now shifts to Montreal, where Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night, followed by Game 4 on Sunday.
Game Highlights
Brandon Hagel achieved a Gordie Howe hat trick, contributing a goal, an assist, and engaging in a fight, while Nikita Kucherov also found the net for Tampa Bay. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made 25 saves during the match.
This victory comes after the Lightning faced a challenging streak, having lost four consecutive home playoff games and 10 of their last 11, dating back to Game 4 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final against Colorado.
Canadiens’ Performance
Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson scored for the Canadiens, with Jakub Dobes making 31 saves in the game. Despite their efforts, the Canadiens were unable to secure a win in overtime.
Bruins vs. Sabres Update
In another playoff matchup, the Boston Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 4-2, evening their series at one game apiece. Morgan Geekie’s goal from beyond center marked a pivotal moment in the Bruins’ three-goal second period.
Viktor Arvidsson scored twice, and Pavel Zacha added another goal. David Pastrnak contributed two assists, bringing his total to five points in the series, thus tying Bobby Orr for eighth place on the Bruins’ all-time playoff points list.
Goaltender Jeremy Swayman stopped 32 shots, helping Boston maintain their lead despite Bowen Byram and Peyton Krebs scoring late to narrow the gap to 4-2.
The Bruins will host Game 3 on Thursday night as the series continues.