The Tampa Bay Lightning took down the Montreal Canadiens in game one, and took them down again in game two. The Canadiens outperformed the Lightning in game two, but after making multiple careless mistakes, the Lightning were able to execute. The Lightning were able to lean on the back of Vasilevskiy, as he carried over 40 shots in the game.
First Period
Montreal Canadiens: Things were going the Canadiens way to start the game for sure. Alex Killorn being out for game two was a big loss for the Lightning, and having Joel Armia back is a big win for them. They did give up a lot of power plays the first period due to over-aggressive play, but did a great job with handling the Lightning’s excellent power play.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Alex Killorn being out was a huge loss to the Lightning, but in a must win situation for the Canadiens after losing game one, they were facing the very best of Montreal. After not succeeding in the power play, they were looking underwhelming offensively. After stopping the power play in the late parts of the first period they showed a much improved defensive showing.
Second Period
Montreal Canadiens: Canadiens were able to execute of a power play that allowed them to tie the game in the middle part of the second period. Suzuki was able to sneak the puck past Vasilevskiy allowing them to tie the game. Artturi Lekhonen was sent to the locker room which was a big loss to the offense, but with Montreal taking just under 30 shots before the end of the second period, they were looking to just pound the net. They made a lazy error in the final second of the second period that allowed Tampa Bay to go up 2-1 at the end of the second.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Execution. Tampa was held without a shot on goal for almost 15 minutes , but Cirelli was able to sneak it between Carey Price’s legs to get Tampa on the board. Carless mistake made by Price that got them on the board. The Lightning were playing much better in the transition game that was allowing Tampa to put pressure on the Canadiens defense and make them work for the puck. Although, they didn’t do much, they did enough to get themselves on the board. After a mental lapse by the Canadiens at the end of the period they executed as Blake Coleman made an incredible diving shot to take the lead 2-1
Third Period
Montreal Canadiens: One word to describe the game for the Canadiens, karma. They took things easy and made carless mistakes which allowed for two of the three goals. Canadiens were playing extremely well, keeping great puck control in the defensive zone, playing strong in the offensive zone, but weren’t executing. Canadiens were shooting the puck any chance they had, but in the end it wasn’t enough.
Tampa Bay Lightning: The Tampa Bay Lightning pulled off the second win after a carless mistake made by Edmundson and Petry to secure the win. The Lighting weren’t doing anything special, in fact, I’d go as far to say this was one of their worst games they have played, but they were executing off this mistakes that were made.
Montreal Canadiens Stats:
G: Nick Suzuki(6)
Carey Price: 20/23, three goals allowed
Tampa Bay Lightning Stats:
G: Anthony Cirelli(5), Blake Coleman(2), Ondrej Palat(5)
A: Tyler Johnson(2), Jan Rutta(1), Barclay Goodrow(3), Ryan McDonagh(6)
Andrei Vasilevskiy: 42/43, one goal allowed