MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 21, 2025, at the Bell Centre. Jake Evans scored the game-winning goal with just 2:15 left on the clock, highlighting the Canadiens' resilience and determination as they continue their strong performance this season.
The game started off on the wrong foot for Montreal, as they found themselves trailing 2-0 before the second period was even five minutes old. Nikita Kucherov opened the scoring for Tampa Bay with 14:40 gone in the first period, followed by Jake Guentzel adding to their lead just 2:45 seconds after the start of the second period. The Lightning seemed poised to take control, but the Canadiens had other plans.
Feeling the pressure, the Canadiens responded with urgency. Juraj Slafkovsky ignited the comeback with a stunning power-play goal at 5:32 of the second period, shooting from a tight angle past Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. This marked Slafkovsky's third goal in four games, showcasing his growing confidence as he finds his rhythm on the ice.
“Slafkovsky’s goal was incredible,” said Scott Matla, highlighting the significance of the moment. “You could see the spark it gave the team.”
Less than two minutes later, the Canadiens again capitalized on their momentum when Patrik Laine set up Alex Newhook for a one-timer, leveling the game at 2-2. Newhook’s goal illustrated the Canadiens' aggressive approach as they fought back against the Lightning.
While the Canadiens celebrated their resurgence, they also had to stay on their toes. The Lightning were relentless, working hard to regain the lead, but Canadiens' goaltender Sam Montembeault was up to the challenge, making significant saves to keep Tampa off the board during the late stages of the game.
The third period featured intense back-and-forth action, with both teams trading opportunities. But it was the Canadiens who struck again, as Jake Evans found the back of the net with just over two minutes left, thanks to a slick assist from Joel Armia. Evans’ goal was his 11th of the season, sealing the win for Montreal.
“Jake Evans was fantastic late in the game,” said Matla. “His persistence paid off, and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect moment.”
This victory was especially notable for rookie defenseman Lane Hutson, whose remarkable point streak continues. Hutson earned another assist on Slafkovsky’s goal, bringing his streak to nine games, which ties him for the longest point streak by a rookie defenseman for the Canadiens and also matches Shayne Gostisbehere's NHL record for rookie defensemen. Hutson's continued success reflects his growing impact on the team and has many fans excited about his potential.
Overall, the Canadiens have been riding high on their recent streak, winning 13 of their last 17 games. With this victory, they have shown not only their talent but also their tenacity and ability to come back from tough situations. Their win brings them within one point of the Lightning, underscoring how fiercely competitive this season has become.
“The comeback has become routine for the Canadiens,” Matla noted, encapsulating the team’s newfound resilience. “They’re really building something special here.”
Looking forward, the Canadiens will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the Detroit Red Wings. Meanwhile, the Lightning will need to regroup as their struggles on the road continue, having lost seven of their last eight away games.
This game was not just about the scoreboard; it was also about awareness. The Canadiens took time to honor mental health awareness during the match, demonstrating their commitment to supporting impactful causes. Players donned green ribbons as they arrived at the Bell Centre, signifying their support for mental health initiatives.
With the playoffs looming and the Canadiens showing signs of form, it's clear they are fighting harder than ever. If they can maintain this level of play and continue to build on their winning streak, Montreal fans may have much to look forward to this season.