The Tampa Bay Lightning (21-6-4) defeated the Montreal Canadiens (7-21-4) 5-4 in overtime on Monday night at Amalie Arena. It was the first game in a week for the Lightning, after an extended holiday break due to COVID concerns throughout the NHL.
The Lightning got two goals from Brayden Point in the first period to build a 2-1 lead. After both teams exchanged goals in the second period, the Canadiens were able to take the lead when David Savard scored at the 13:09 mark in the third period to give Montreal a 4-3 lead.
However, the Lightning were able to pull off some late magic when Corey Perry scored with twenty seconds left to tie the game 4-4. In overtime, it would be Ondrej Palat coming through with the game winner to give the Lightning two points in their return to the ice after the holiday break.
Playing without goalies Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brian Elliott, who are both in COVID protocol, Maxime Lagace got the start in net. He came away with the win after converting 27 saves in 31 shots on net. The Bolts were also without head coach Jon Cooper, who missed his second game while in the COVID protocol. Assistant coach Derek Lalonde led the team behind the bench.
The Lightning now head to Sunrise and are scheduled to play the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. Puck drop Thursday is scheduled for 7:00 PM - hear the game, beginning with pregame coverage at 6:30 PM, on News Radio WFLA.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES