The Montreal Canadiens have had a rough start to the season to say the least. For the Habs, a matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning amidst COVID issues was a daunting one, but the Bolts have their fair share of players out as well.
One player who did return for the Lightning was Brayden Point after a 14-game absence. The Habs and Lightning both had to dig deep to fill their creases, with an unusual cast of characters throughout the lineup on both sides.
Habs on the board first
The teams traded chances early. Eventually, a rebound went Montreal’s way, and Lukas Vejdemo banged it home to make it 1-0 Habs.
Back with a vengeance
Brayden Point did not take long to make an impact after missing 14 games. His first goal back? Quick, and absolutely filthy. He put a Montreal defender on skates with a toe-drag and roofed it to tie the game.
Point not done yet
Later, a turnover in Montreal ice found Alex Killorn alone in the slot. He dished to none other than Point who quickly had two in the first, and the Lightning possessed a 2-1 lead after one.
Game of firsts
NHL debuts for multiple players on both teams were on display in this one, so why not a first career goal as well? Rafael Harvey-Pinard poked home a pass in tight quarters in front of the net for his first in the show to tie the game.
Quick release
In a period full of penalties, including a double-minor on Montreal, it’s a wonder there wasn’t a power play goal. There was however a rocket of a shot just moments after a Hab penalty expired. It came on a one-timer off the stick of Ross Colton and gifted the Bolts a 3-2 lead. They would carry that edge into the third frame.
Unlikely scorers give Habs the lead
Early in the third it was another first NHL goal for Montreal that tied the game. Kale Clague teed up an absolute bomb and put it home to knot the score at three.
Next, it was former Bolt David Savard’s first goal of the season and then some that had the Habs in front. He was able to make a few nifty moves and fire it home. The Bolts were trailing with six to play.
Onslaught just enough as Bolts tie it late
The Lightning came fast and furious in an effort to tie the game, and were finally rewarded just in the knick of time. Corey Perry capitalized on a net-mouth scramble to tie it up at four. This one needed overtime.
Lay the body, end the game
Ondrej Palat was the man to put this one to bed after absolutely levelling a Hab. He finished it off in front of the net and the Lightning escaped with a 5-4 overtime win.
Our three stars of the game
- Brayden Point: A phenomenal return, with two goals on his first two shots.
- Maxime Lagace: 27 saves for the Lightning’s call-up goaltender.
- Corey Perry: A huge game-tying goal with 19 seconds to spare.
