Moser Scores Overtime, Lightning Tie Canadiens Series Again
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Tampa, Fla. — J.J. Moser scored 12:48 into overtime to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night at Amalie Arena, tying the first-round series at 1-1. Brandon Hagel had a Gordie Howe hat trick with a goal, an assist and a fight, and Nikita Kucherov also scored for Tampa Bay. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 25 shots. The win interrupted a prolonged slump on home ice for the Lightning, who had lost four consecutive home playoff games and 10 of 11 dating to Game 4 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final against Colorado.
Kucherov forced overtime at 12:33 of the third period by collecting a deflected puck off Hagel and scoring on a wrap-around for his first playoff goal since April 19, 2023, ending a 17-game postseason goal drought. Montreal’s goals came from Lane Hutson and Josh Anderson, while Jakub Dobes finished with 31 saves. The series now shifts to Montreal for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Sunday: Montreal Canadiens won Game 1 in overtime, taking a 1-0 series lead.
- 2. Tuesday night: J.J. Moser scored 12:48 into overtime to give Tampa Bay a 3-2 victory in Game 2.
- 3. During Game 2, Nikita Kucherov scored at 12:33 of the third period, his first playoff goal since April 19, 2023.
- 4. Goaltending totals recorded: Andrei Vasilevskiy 25 saves (Lightning); Jakub Dobes 31 saves (Canadiens).
- 5. Series shifts to Montreal for Games 3 and 4, scheduled for Friday and Sunday.
Why it matters
This is a comeback story for the Lightning, breaking a home playoff game losing streak. It's a reminder that in sports, as in life, slumps don't last forever. If you're a fan, you might want to check the schedule and tune in for Games 3 and 4 in Montreal.
Sources
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