Nikita Kucherov Breaks Playoff Drought in Lightning’s Game 2 Win Over Canadiens Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov ended a 16-game postseason scoring drought with a pivotal tying goal in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Montreal Canadiens, helping force overtime and secure a 3-2 victory. Kucherov’s goal came at 12:33 of the third period, assisted by Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. The Lightning had trailed 2-1 after Josh Anderson’s power-play marker for Montreal at 18:36 of the second period. Kucherov’s tally evened the score and shifted momentum in Tampa’s favor. The game remained tied through regulation, sending it to overtime. There, Tyler Moser scored the game-winner at 12:48 of the extra frame, also assisted by Cirelli. The Lightning outshot Montreal 34-27, with Andrei Vasilevskiy making 25 saves on 27 shots. Montreal’s Lane Hutson opened the scoring in the first period with his first career playoff goal at 16:11, capitalizing on a power play. Brandon Hagel gave Tampa an early lead at 8:40 of the first period, assisted by Jake Guentzel and Erik Cernak. The contest was marked by physicality, including a fight between Hagel and Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky in the second period. Montreal recorded 31 hits in the opening frame, setting a tone for a tightly checked series. Tampa Bay improved to 1-1 in the best-of-seven series, which now shifts to Montreal for Game 3. Kucherov’s goal ended a scoreless streak that dated back to the 2024 playoffs, providing a much-needed offensive spark for the Lightning as they look to advance.
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