ONLINE: Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning – Game 4 NHL Playoffs Live – Slafkovský in Focus

Juraj Slafkovsky’s hat trick lifts Canadiens to 4-3 overtime win over the Lightning in Game 1 Tampa, Fla. — Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky delivered a breakout performance in his first career NHL playoff game, scoring all three of his team’s goals — including the game-winner in overtime — to lead Montreal to a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. Slafkovsky’s third goal came just 1:22 into the extra session on the power play, sealing the win after a tightly contested battle at Amalie Arena. The 22-year-old Slovak forward, selected first overall by Montreal in the 2022 NHL Draft, became the first player in franchise history to record a hat trick in his NHL playoff debut. The Lightning struck first, but Montreal responded with goals from Josh Anderson and Slafkovsky in the opening period. Tampa Bay regained the lead in the middle frame before Slafkovsky completed his hat trick with two more tallies — one in regulation and the decisive overtime marker. Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes made several key stops throughout the game, including a glove save on a Lightning bid in the second period, helping Montreal weather pressure surges from the defending champions. Tampa Bay’s Darren Raddysh and Erik Cernak each found the net for the Lightning, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Slafkovsky’s historic outing. The victory gives Montreal a 1-0 series lead as the best-of-seven matchup shifts to Montreal for Game 2. Slafkovsky’s performance not only energized the Canadiens’ bench and fans but also marked a significant milestone in his young NHL career, validating his status as a cornerstone piece for Montreal’s future.