Slafkovsky's Hat Trick Lifts Canadiens Over Lightning in OT

Rookie forward scores three goals, including the game-winner, as Montreal takes Game 1 of first-round playoff series

Apr. 20, 2026 at 7:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overtime game-winning goal by Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky, with sharp, overlapping planes of color capturing the dynamic movement and energy of the play.Slafkovsky's overtime heroics lift the Canadiens over the Lightning in a tightly contested Game 1 battle.Today in Tampa

Rookie forward Juraj Slafkovsky scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal in overtime, to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of their first-round NHL playoff series. Josh Anderson also scored for the Canadiens, while Brandon Hagel netted two goals and Darren Raddysh added one for the Lightning. Rookie goalie Jakub Dobes made 20 saves for Montreal in the win.

Why it matters

The Canadiens are seeking their first Stanley Cup since 1993, while the Lightning have been eliminated in the first round for three straight seasons after coming up just short of a three-peat in 2022. This opening game sets the tone for what could be a hard-fought series between the two teams.

The details

Slafkovsky scored his first career postseason hat trick, including the game-winning goal 1:22 into overtime. His three power-play goals came on a snap shot from the left circle, a one-timer from the right circle, and the overtime winner. Josh Anderson also scored for Montreal, while Brandon Hagel scored two goals and Darren Raddysh added one for Tampa Bay. Rookie goalie Jakub Dobes made 20 saves for the Canadiens.

  • The game-winning goal came 1:22 into overtime.
  • Slafkovsky's second goal tied the game at 2-2 in the final minute of the second period.
  • Hagel's power-play goal tied the game at 3-3 early in the third period.

The players

Juraj Slafkovsky

A rookie forward for the Montreal Canadiens who scored a hat trick, including the game-winning goal in overtime, to lead his team to victory in Game 1.

Josh Anderson

A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who scored a goal in the first period to give his team an early lead.

Brandon Hagel

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who scored two goals, including the power-play goal that tied the game late in the third period.

Darren Raddysh

A defenseman for the Tampa Bay Lightning who scored a goal in the second period to tie the game at 1-1.

Jakub Dobes

The rookie goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens who made 20 saves to earn the win in Game 1.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's pretty nice. I like that feeling. Obviously, we don't want to go to overtime. Hopefully we close out games before that. But now we have to focus on the next game.”

— Juraj Slafkovsky, Canadiens forward

“We took four offensive zone penalties. That wasn't over-aggression. That was stupidity. This is the Stanley Cup playoffs. This isn't game 62. That's extremely disappointing.”

— Jon Cooper, Lightning head coach

“His style of play and energy and speed and physicality is perfect for playoff hockey. He had a big night for us.”

— Nick Suzuki, Canadiens captain

What’s next

Game 2 of the series will be played on Tuesday night at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, where the Lightning have lost nine of their last 10 home games in the playoffs.

The takeaway

This opening game showcases the high-intensity, back-and-forth nature of this first-round playoff series between two storied NHL franchises. The Canadiens' young star Slafkovsky proved to be the difference-maker, while the Lightning's undisciplined play in taking multiple offensive zone penalties proved costly. The series is now set up for an intriguing Game 2 as both teams look to gain an early advantage.