Montreal Canadiens 4 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning 5 (SO) Post-Game Notes
Tampa goes streaking, four consecutive wins
Canadiens 4 vs. Lightning 5 (SO) Post-Game Notes
ByGustavo Chacon
On a back-to-back, following a penalty-ridden 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers, the Tampa Bay Lightning won a post-regulation shootout at home as they hosted the Montreal Canadiens Sunday night.
Tampa continued playing excellent in the PK, killing off all four Montreal power-play opportunities. All eight regulation goals in this game came at even strength.
After a scoreless first period, Nikita Kucherov broke the ice, scoring back-to-back goals in the second period to put Tampa up. He leads the team this season with 49 points. For his “troubles”, he was named the NHL’s first star of the week.
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Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save against Ivan Demidov #93 of the Montréal Canadiens during the shootout at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save against Cole Caufield #13 of the Montréal Canadiens during the shootout at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates stopping a shot from Cole Caufield #13 of the Montréal Canadiens to win in the shootout at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Arber Xhekaj #72 of the Montréal Canadiens punches Scott Sabourin #46 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: J.J. Moser #90 of the Tampa Bay Lightning checks Cole Caufield #13 of the Montréal Canadiens during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save against the Montréal Canadiens during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Alexandre Texier #85 of the Montréal Canadiens brings the puck up ice past Brandon Hagel #38 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Max Crozier #24 of the Tampa Bay Lightning holds Josh Anderson #17 of the Montréal Canadiens in front of Jonas Johansson #31 during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save against Juraj Slafkovsky #20 of the Montréal Canadiens during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Phillip Danault #24 of the Montréal Canadiens avoids the check of Oliver Bjorkstrand #22 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal as Brendan Gallagher #11 of the Montréal Canadiens reacts during the second period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Maxim Groshev #52 of the Tampa Bay Lightning brings the puck up the ice against Nick Suzuki #14 of the Montréal Canadiens during the second period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Nick Paul #20 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores past Jacob Fowler #32 of the Montréal Canadiens during the second period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates a win over the Montréal Canadiens with teammates Nikita Kucherov #86 and Jonas Johansson #31 after the game at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Maxim Groshev #52 of the Tampa Bay Lightning chases a loose puck with Josh Anderson #17 of the Montréal Canadiens during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Groshev is making his NHL debut. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Maxim Groshev #52 of the Tampa Bay Lightning brings the puck up the ice against Nick Suzuki #14 of the Montréal Canadiens during the second period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning (L) celebrates his second goal with teammates Brayden Point #21 and Gage Goncalves #93 during the second period against the Montréal Canadiens at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Maxim Groshev #52 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Montréal Canadiens in his NHL debut during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Juraj Slafkovsky #20 of the Montréal Canadiens (C) celebrates his game-tying goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning late during the third period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning congratulates teammate Maxim Groshev #52 on his first NHL point in his NHL debut during the second period against the Montréal Canadiens at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Gage Goncalves #93 of the Tampa Bay Lightning (L) congratulates teammate Nikita Kucherov #86 on his goal against the Montréal Canadiens during the second period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning congratulates Maxim Groshev #52 on his first NHL point in his NHL debut while holding the puck for him during the second period against the Montréal Canadiens at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Nick Paul #20 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal with teammates Charle-Edouard D'Astous #51, Oliver Bjorkstrand #22 and Maxim Groshev #52 during the second period against the Montréal Canadiens at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Groshev picked up an assist on the play for his first NHL point in his NHL debut. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning congratulates Maxim Groshev #52 on his first NHL point in his NHL debut while holding the puck for him during the second period against the Montréal Canadiens at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Alexandre Carrier #45 of the Montréal Canadiens shoots against Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning as Brendan Gallagher #11 looks on during the third period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Alexandre Carrier #45 of the Montréal Canadiens shoots against Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning as Brendan Gallagher #11 looks on during the third period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save against Zachary Bolduc #76 of the Montréal Canadiens during the second period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his goal with teammate J.J. Moser #90 as Brendan Gallagher #11 of the Montréal Canadiens reacts during the second period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores past Jacob Fowler #32 of the Montréal Canadiens during the shootout at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning makes a save against Mike Matheson #8 of the Montréal Canadiens during the third period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Jonas Johansson #31 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates a win over the Montréal Canadiens with teammate Maxim Groshev #52, who made his NHL debut in the game, at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Gage Goncalves #93 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores against Jacob Fowler #32 of the Montréal Canadiens during the shootout at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: Juraj Slafkovsky #20 of the Montréal Canadiens (C) celebrates his game-tying goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning late during the third period at the Benchmark International Arena on December 28, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The Bolts would find themselves up 4-1 early in the third period. However, the Canadiens went on a run of their own, scoring three unanswered goals, including one with only four seconds left in regulation to force a shootout.
Gage Goncalves put up two assists, but it was his deciding shootout goal that won the game for Tampa.
Next up, they face the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday.
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