SPORTS

Slafkovsky OT Hat Trick Lifts Canadiens In Tampa

PUBLISHED Apr 18, 2026, 5:42 PM ET

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Tampa — The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in overtime on Sunday as Juraj Slafkovsky completed a hat trick and scored the winning power-play goal at 1:22 of overtime. The game opened the Eastern Conference First Round at Benchmark International Arena and followed a previously physical meeting between the rivals on April 9. The victory gives Montreal an immediate series lead and places pressure on Tampa Bay to adjust special teams and game starts before Game 2 on Tuesday; coaches and players from both clubs provided postgame comments, while in the Western Conference the Utah Mammoth began their playoff debut Sunday after NHL Board approval on April 18, 2024.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

April 9: Canadiens and Lightning played a physical, playoff-like regular-season game.
April 18, 2024: NHL Board of Governors approved the Utah Mammoth franchise.
Sunday: Utah Mammoth made its Stanley Cup Playoff debut against Vegas Golden Knights.
Sunday: Montreal beat Tampa Bay 4-3 in overtime; Slafkovsky recorded a hat trick.
Tuesday: Montreal and Tampa Bay scheduled Game 2 following the Game 1 result.

News Intelligence

If you're a hockey fan, this game sets the tone for the playoffs. Montreal's win puts Tampa on the back foot. It's a reminder to keep an eye on special teams and game starts. For Utah locals, it's a proud moment as the Mammoth make their playoff debut.

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