Montreal fans set for playoff ride as Canadiens face Lightning in Game 2
Posted April 21, 2026 7:45 am.
Last Updated April 21, 2026 6:23 pm.
The road to the Stanley Cup continues Tuesday night as the Montreal Canadiens face the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series at Benchmark International Arena.
Montreal enters the matchup with momentum — and growing confidence — following a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory in Sunday’s opener, a result that has energized both the team and its fan base.
With puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET, the Canadiens have an opportunity to seize early control of the best-of-seven series on the road.
Slafkovsky’s breakout performance fuels belief
Juraj Slafkovsky delivered a defining performance in Game 1, scoring three power-play goals, including the overtime winner just 1:22 into the extra frame.
The 22-year-old became the first player in franchise history to record a power-play hat trick in a playoff game, adding a historic milestone to Montreal’s postseason record.
Slafkovsky’s performance joins a list of notable playoff moments in Canadiens history, including overtime hat tricks by Gerry Plamondon in 1949 and Eric Desjardins during the club’s 1993 Stanley Cup championship run.
His performance not only secured the early series lead, but also set the tone for a Canadiens team that has leaned on physicality and opportunistic scoring throughout the season.
Momentum meets urgency in Tampa
Despite the emotional high of Game 1, Montreal is approaching Game 2 with measured focus.
Head coach Martin St-Louis’ group understands the challenge ahead, particularly against a Tampa Bay team expected to respond with urgency after dropping the opener on home ice.
The Lightning, who defeated Montreal during their 2021 Stanley Cup run, remain a seasoned playoff team capable of quickly shifting the series narrative. Tampa is expected to come out strong early, making Montreal’s ability to withstand that opening push critical.
The Canadiens have thrived when scoring first this season, posting 32 wins when opening the scoring, good for seventh in the NHL.
Down a game on home ice, Tampa Bay is expected to push hard early. Montreal’s focus will be on surviving that initial surge, getting through the opening minutes, reaching the first TV timeout, and settling into its game. Scoring first will be key, given the Canadiens’ success when doing so this season.
Neither side was disciplined in Game 1. While Montreal capitalized on the power play — led by Slafkovsky’s hat trick — they also allowed Tampa multiple opportunities with the man advantage. Giving a power play like Tampa Bay’s five chances is dangerous. Cleaning up penalties will be essential.
There is little Montreal needs to overhaul from Game 1. The Canadiens controlled 69 per cent of MoneyPuck’s deserve-to-win metric and generated eight high-danger chances at even strength compared to just one for Tampa Bay. While improvements in five-on-five offence and discipline are needed, the foundation remains strong.
Bell Centre awaits as series builds
The series will shift to Montreal for Games 3 and 4 later this week, where a full-capacity Bell Centre is expected to amplify an already surging playoff atmosphere.
For now, the Canadiens remain focused on the immediate task: building on their Game 1 performance and maintaining momentum in Game 2.
