Canadiens Top Lightning, Take 3-2 Series Lead
Written By Josie Dinonsie
TAMPA, Fla. — The Montreal Canadiens pushed past the Tampa Bay Lightning with a 3-2 win Wednesday night at Benchmark International Arena. Alexandre Texier claimed the tie-breaking goal early in the third period, securing the Canadiens’ victory in Game 5.
The Canadiens now have the chance to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals as they head back home to Montreal for Game 6 on Friday night. It would be their first second-round appearance since 2021.
Brendan Gallagher, who made his series debut, put the Canadiens on top quickly with a rebound goal just three minutes into the game. Gallagher’s return ignited an instant spark in the Canadiens’ lineup; the gritty style that has defined him through all 14 seasons with Montreal made an evident difference.
“He’s a playoff guy and knows the types of games he needs to be in, and he was awesome,” Jake Evans said. “Even if he didn’t score, he’s meant a whole lot to this group.”
“I’m really happy how he handled things,” Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis said. “And not surprised how he did tonight.”
The Lightning evened things in the second period when Dominic James scored his first career playoff goal. The goal at 6:49 came from a 2-on-1 burst by the Lightning, and James’ wrister went upper corner over the shoulder of Jakub Dobes.
The 1-1 score lasted only 11 seconds before Kirby Dach scored to put the Canadiens ahead. The center-ice faceoff was won back to the Canadiens defense, sent up to Dach, who powered through the offensive zone, cut in on Andrei Vasilevskiy, and tapped the puck in on his second attempt.
The back-and-forth scoring continued, this time with the Lightning striking. Jake Guentzel tied it 2-2 when, with speed, he carried the puck through all three zones, went in on a 2-on-1, and sent a snap shot through Dobes’ five hole.
Texier scored the game-winning goal for the Canadiens at 1:06 of the final frame when he collected a stretch pass from Lane Huston and fired the puck at Vasilevskiy; the puck bounced over his glove and into the net.
The Lightning put forth an intense effort late in the third period, with Vasilevskiy pulled and six men on the ice. Dobes denied all 10 shots that came his way during the 5-on-6 push by the Lightning.
“I’m really proud of the group, I feel like it was a good effort all around,” Dobes said postgame.
“You grind all season to have this opportunity,” Gallagher said. “So you just want to enjoy it. You can’t get lost in the importance of everything. You can’t forget to have fun. And that’s definitely part of it.”
The Canadiens’ all-around team effort led them to their 3-2 victory over the Lightning. With a strong performance by Dobes and a boost from Gallagher’s addition to the lineup, they now can finish the series Friday night at Bell Centre.
