TAMPA – In a game filled with twists and high-octane action, the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied with four consecutive goals to claim a 4-3 win against the Montreal Canadiens at Amalie Arena on Sunday. Star forward Nikita Kucherov played a pivotal role, contributing a goal and an assist, leading the NHL with an impressive 61 points.
Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper praised Kucherov’s development into one of the world’s top players. “He’s definitely been our MVP,” Cooper stated, recognizing his significant contribution to the team’s success.
Despite initially trailing, the Lightning (18-15-5) turned the game around, snapping a two-game losing streak and showcasing their resilience. Jonas Johansson’s 27 saves were crucial in keeping Tampa Bay in contention.
Montreal, despite a strong start, could not hold onto their lead and suffered their third consecutive loss, bringing their record to 15-16-5. Goaltender Sam Montembeault faced a challenging night, making 16 saves.
The game began in Montreal’s favor with Cole Caufield opening the scoring in the second period, capitalizing on a turnover forced by Nick Suzuki. Jonathan Kovacevic then doubled the Canadiens’ lead with a bizarre 200-foot goal, catching both teams and Johansson off guard.
The peculiar goal seemed to ignite a spark in the Lightning, leading to a series of scoring opportunities. Brayden Point initiated the comeback with a well-placed shot, followed by Austin Watson’s game-tying goal.
Tampa Bay took the lead in the third period through Calvin de Haan’s first goal of the season. Kucherov then extended the lead, showcasing his skill with a precise finish from Victor Hedman’s setup.
Montreal’s Suzuki narrowed the gap late in the game, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the Lightning’s momentum. “I thought we deserved to win, but they found a way. They are a good team,” Suzuki reflected after the game.
The night was also significant for Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos, who set a franchise record for games played with the Lightning, surpassing Vincent Lecavalier’s previous mark. Stamkos, leading in goals and points for the Lightning, expressed his pride and gratitude for his tenure with the team.
Injuries were a concern for Tampa Bay, with defensemen Erik Cernak and Haydn Fleury leaving the game due to injuries. Meanwhile, Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson extended his point streak, and Suzuki continued his impressive form with 10 points in the past eight games.
The game’s outcome reflects Tampa Bay’s enduring competitive spirit and Montreal’s ongoing quest for consistency. As both teams prepare for their next challenges, the Lightning’s ability to turn a game around stands out as a testament to their character and skill.
