Lightning Tie Series with Overtime Win in Game 2 Against Canadiens
The Tampa Bay Lightning evened their first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens at 1-1 with a 3-2 overtime victory on April 21, 2026, at Benchmark International Arena. Defenseman J.J. Moser scored the game-winning goal 12:48 into the extra period, marking his first career NHL playoff goal.
After dropping Game 1 in overtime by a 4-3 margin, the Lightning responded with a stronger effort in Game 2. Brandon Hagel gave Tampa Bay an early lead in the first period before Montreal tied the game midway through the second. The Canadiens took a 2-1 advantage later in the frame, but Hagel tied it again early in the third period with his second goal of the night.
The game remained deadlocked through regulation, sending it to overtime where Moser snapped a wrist shot past Canadiens goaltender Jakob Dobes to secure the win. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 25 saves for the Lightning, who improved their penalty discipline after struggling in Game 1.
The series now shifts to Montreal for Games 3 and 4, with both teams looking to gain an edge in the best-of-seven matchup.