MONTREAL — Lightning Hang on for 5-3 Win Over Canadiens

Victor Hedman had a goal and an assist as the Lightning secured a 5-3 victory over the struggling Montreal Canadiens on Sunday afternoon before the 4 Nations Faceoff. Nick Paul, Brayden Point, and Zemgus Girgensons also found the back of the net, with Anthony Cirelli adding an empty-netter for Tampa Bay. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 32 saves for the Lightning.

Brendan Gallagher scored twice, and Christian Dvorak added a goal for Montreal, but they couldn’t complete the comeback. The Canadiens have now lost three straight and eight of their last nine games. Jakub Dobes was replaced in the second period after allowing three goals on eight shots.

The NHL will now take a two-week break for the best-on-best tournament involving Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States. The event will kick off with a game between Canada and Sweden at the Bell Centre.

Takeaways

Lightning: No Nikita Kucherov, no problem as Tampa Bay scores without their star winger.

Canadiens: Montreal couldn’t complete the comeback despite dominating play late in the game.

Key Moment

Brayden Point’s power-play goal early in the second period gave the Lightning a 3-1 lead and forced Dobes out of the game.

Key Stat

Gallagher’s first goal for Montreal at home came after nearly 3 hours and 8 minutes of scoreless play.

DANIEL RAINBIRD, The Canadian Press

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Conclusion

The Lightning held on for a crucial win over the Canadiens, extending their winning streak as they head into the tournament break.

FAQs

1. Will Nikita Kucherov return after the break?

2. How did the Canadiens fare in their recent games against New Jersey and Minnesota?