Lightning Dominate Canadiens 6-0, Break Four-Game Losing Streak

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a significant statement by defeating the Montreal Canadiens 6-0, breaking their four-game losing streak. This victory showcased their dominance and resilience on the ice.

Match Highlights

Right from the start, the Lightning established control over the game. Nikita Kucherov opened the scoring with a powerful shot at 17:12, extending the lead to 3-0. Charle-Edouard D’Astous, a defenseman from Rimouski, Quebec, scored the fourth goal just 2:43 into the second period. D’Astous played in front of around 50 friends and family members, making his first appearance in Montreal special.

D’Astous’ Special Moment

“It’s a great feeling scoring a goal here in Montreal in front of my friends and family,” D’Astous expressed. He described the experience as a childhood dream for many Quebecers to score at the Bell Centre.

Montreal’s Struggles

The Canadiens attempted to respond when Kasperi Kapanen netted a goal late in the first period, bringing the score to 4-1. Kapanen capitalized on a rebound after Nick Suzuki’s shot hit both posts. Montreal’s captain, Suzuki, noted the team’s poor performance: “I thought we generated a lot early on and then we gave up two breakaway goals.”

Further Extending the Lead

In the third period, the Lightning added to their lead with goals from both Boris Katchouk and Taylor Raddysh. Raddysh scored at 1:22 with a wrist shot over the Canadiens’ goalie’s shoulder. Later, he found the net again at 8:41 with a power-play goal, marking his second multigoal game in his 200th NHL matchup.

Raddysh’s Reflection

“It’s a special night,” Raddysh stated. “But I’m just fortunate to play in the NHL and get to do it here at the Bell Centre.”

Notable Achievements

• Jake Guentzel, a forward for the Lightning, reached 600 NHL points, marking a career milestone.
• Nick Suzuki recorded an assist, bringing his total to 25 in 29 games this season, making him the fastest Canadiens player to reach this in recent history.

Team Adjustments

After the game, the Canadiens announced the recall of goalie Jacob Fowler, defenseman Adam Engstrom, and forward Owen Beck from their AHL affiliate, Laval.

This outcome highlighted the Lightning’s capacity to perform under pressure while raising questions for the Canadiens moving forward. The teams continue to navigate the challenges of the current NHL season.