Lightning Beat Canadiens 3-2, Tie Series at 2-2
In a thrilling comeback at the Bell Centre, the Tampa Bay Lightning overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Sunday, tying their first-round playoff series at two games apiece. Brandon Hagel scored twice for Tampa Bay, including the game-winning goal in the third period, while Jake Guentzel added a goal and an assist in the victory.
The Canadiens struck first in the second period when Zachary Bolduc broke a scoreless tie at 10:06. Bolduc capitalized on a stretch pass from Kaiden Guhle, driving to the net and redirecting a poke check attempt by Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy past Canadiens netminder Jakub Dobes for his first career playoff goal. Cole Caufield extended the lead to 2-0 on the power play with 6:31 left in the frame, tipping a pass from Nick Suzuki while alone in front of the net. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy as Caufield celebrated on his knees.
Momentum shifted dramatically late in the second when Lightning defenseman Max Crozier delivered a thunderous open-ice hit on Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky at center ice with 2:12 remaining. Slafkovsky, who appeared dazed, left the ice for the dressing room but returned...