Canadiens fall 3–2 to Lightning in Game 4, series even at 2–2
Posted April 26, 2026 9:09 pm.
Last Updated April 26, 2026 11:42 pm.
The Montreal Canadiens dropped a 3–2 decision to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell Centre on Sunday night, as the series is now tied 2–2.
Hagel would score a pair of third period goals to help the Lightning come from behind to defeat the Canadiens.
Canadiens build lead but lose momentum late
After a scoreless first period, Montreal broke through just past the midway point of the game. Zachary Bolduc opened the scoring following a sequence that began with a save by Jakub Dobeš, eventually beating Andrei Vasilevskiy to bring the crowd to life.
The Canadiens doubled their lead on the power play with 6:39 remaining in the second period. Nick Suzuki worked the puck along the boards before finding Cole Caufield in the slot, and Caufield buried the chance for his first of the postseason. The goal also marked Caufield’s 20th career playoff point in just his 29th game.
The Bell Centre crowd grew increasingly confident as the lead stretched to two. One fan summed up the mood, saying, “We really thought we were going to get the win.”
Lightning rally with three unanswered goals
Momentum shifted in the final minute of the second period when Jake Guentzel redirected a cross-ice pass during four-on-four play to cut the lead to 2–1.
Tampa Bay carried that push into the third period, tying the game early after a controversial high-sticking call led to a goal from Brandon Hagel less than two minutes in.
Montreal continued to press, but the decisive moment came late. A shot from Nikita Kucherov deflected off Hagel and past Dobeš with under five minutes remaining, giving the Lightning a 3–2 lead.
The sequence left some fans frustrated with how the game turned. Reacting to the winning goal, a young fan said, “I think we could have done way better… just like off Hagel’s face and in — we could have done better there.”
Fans remain hopeful despite setback
Despite the loss, many in attendance pointed to the bigger picture of a tightly contested series.
One fan acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic, saying, “It’s a bit disappointing that they lost, but it’s been one-one since they started, so hopefully we’re going to be the first one to be on four.”
Another supporter shared a similar sentiment, adding, “I’m feeling sad, I was hoping they were going to win today. A little disappointed, but honestly, I think we knew it was going to be a long series, and I think the Habs will bounce back, so we’re not too worried.”
There was also a sense of pride in the team’s effort despite the result. As one fan put it, “Maybe we’ll come back Wednesday…I’m proud of them.”
Series shifts back to Tampa Bay
Juraj Slafkovský briefly left the game after taking a heavy hit in open ice late in the second period but returned for the third.
Dobeš made 17 saves on 20 shots, while Vasilevskiy stopped 16 of 18 for Tampa Bay.
Prior to puck drop, Hall of Fame defenceman and former Canadiens general manager Serge Savard energized the Bell Centre crowd as part of the pre-game ceremony.
Game 5 will be in Tampa Bay on April 29, before the series comes back to Montreal for Game 6 on May 1.
