Juraj Slafkovsky caps hat trick with OT winner for Canadiens

The 22-year-old No. 1 overall pick in 2022 scored three power-play goals, including the overtime winner, to lead Montreal past Tampa Bay in Game 1.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic final moments of the overtime period, with Juraj Slafkovsky's game-winning shot breaking through a geometric field of players and hockey equipment.Juraj Slafkovsky's overtime heroics give the Canadiens an early series lead over the Lightning.Today in Tampa

Juraj Slafkovsky, the 22-year-old No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, scored a hat trick, including the overtime game-winner on the power play, to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

Why it matters

Slafkovsky's performance in his playoff debut establishes the young forward as a rising star for the Canadiens, who are seeking their first Stanley Cup since 1993. The loss is another early playoff exit for the Lightning, who have been knocked out in the first round three straight seasons after coming up just short of a third straight Stanley Cup in 2022.

The details

Slafkovsky scored his three power-play goals in the second period and overtime to lead the Canadiens' comeback. His overtime winner came just 1:22 into the extra period, as he fired a slap shot from the left circle past Andrei Vasilevskiy. According to ESPN Research, Slafkovsky is the youngest player in NHL history to record a hat trick in a postseason opener, passing Wayne Gretzky's record set in 1983.

  • Slafkovsky scored his first power-play goal late in the second period to tie the game at 2-2.
  • He scored his second power-play goal early in the third period to give Montreal a 3-2 lead.
  • Slafkovsky's overtime power-play goal 1:22 into the extra period won the game for the Canadiens.

The players

Juraj Slafkovsky

The 22-year-old forward was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and is making his playoff debut for the Montreal Canadiens.

Andrei Vasilevskiy

The star goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who was unable to stop Slafkovsky's game-winning shot in overtime.

Martin St. Louis

The head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, who is a Hockey Hall of Famer and former star player for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Nick Suzuki

The captain of the Montreal Canadiens, who discussed the team's strategy during the overtime power play that led to Slafkovsky's winner.

Brandon Hagel

The Tampa Bay Lightning forward who scored two goals, including the game-tying power-play goal in the third period.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I kind of saw some open space there. I decided to shoot it, and thankfully, it went in. So, we're all happy. But, yeah, we still have to focus. We have a game in two days.”

— Juraj Slafkovsky

“I think he was just trying to give us a little break. Marty just wanted to talk it over, and see what we wanted to do. We didn't want to change anything, we had already been out there, but we just wanted to try to end the game.”

— Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens captain

“It's been unbelievable, honestly. This year, he obviously took a huge stride. He's a power forward, a big guy, and it's just hard to stop him.”

— Josh Anderson, Montreal Canadiens forward

What’s next

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Tuesday night at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, where the Lightning have lost eight of their last nine home playoff games.

The takeaway

Slafkovsky's historic hat trick and overtime winner in his playoff debut showcase the 22-year-old's rising star power and provide hope for the Canadiens' future, while the Lightning's early playoff exit continues a troubling trend for the once-dominant franchise.