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On Tuesday evening, J.J. Moser netted the decisive goal at 12:48 in overtime, securing a 3-2 comeback win for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Montreal Canadiens and leveling the initial NHL playoff series at one game apiece.
The seven-game series now moves to Montreal for a pair of contests, with Game 3 scheduled for Friday night. Sunday will host Game 4.
Brandon Hagel achieved a Gordie Howe hat trick, contributing a goal, an assist, and engaging in a fight; his fellow player Nikita Kucherov additionally found the net for Tampa Bay. Andrei Vasilevskiy successfully defended 25 attempts.
The Lightning had experienced defeats in four successive playoff matches at home and in 10 of their most recent 11, a trend that began with Game 4 versus Colorado during the 2022 Stanley Cup final.
For the Canadiens, Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson registered goals. Jakub Dobes completed the game having made 31 saves.
Kucherov compelled the game into overtime at 12:33 of the final period, gathering a puck that had ricocheted off Hagel’s stick and then executing a wraparound shot to score. This goal marked Kucherov’s inaugural playoff score since April 19, 2023, encompassing 17 post-season appearances.
Montreal secured an even split in Florida by triumphing in Game 1 with a 4-3 overtime victory.
