Canadiens Beat Lightning 3-2 in OT to Take 2-1 Series Lead
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson scored the game-winning goal at 2:09 of overtime to offer his team a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Bell Centre on Friday, April 24, 2026. The win gives Montreal a 2-1 series lead in a playoff matchup where all three games have been decided in overtime.
Hutson’s goal came on a slap shot from above the right face-off circle after receiving a pass from Alexandre Texier. He described it as possibly his first slap shot of the season, saying he saw space through traffic and shot as hard as he could. Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes made 15 saves in the victory.
Montreal likewise received goals from Kirby Dach and Alexandre Texier, with Dach contributing two points in the game. On the Lightning side, Brandon Hagel and Brayden Point each scored, extending Hagel’s goal streak to three straight games in the series.
Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis praised Hutson’s competitiveness and role on the team, stating he never feels the necessitate to protect the young defenseman because he competes hard and is elite with the puck on his stick. Lightning coach Jon Cooper acknowledged Montreal had been the better team but noted it was fortunate his team forced overtime after giving up multiple breakaways.
The game marked the third consecutive overtime contest in the series, only the eighth time in NHL history that a playoff series’ first three games have all gone to overtime, according to Sportsnet as cited by The Athletic. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki said his team has been the better side in the series and welcomed the 2-1 lead with another home game upcoming in Game 4.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at 7 p.m. ET at Bell Centre, broadcast on CBC, TVAS, SNE, SNO, SNP, ESPN, and The Spot.