It didn't start in the best fashion, Tampa opened the score just over 2 minutes in when Stamkos sent a puck straight on Max Domi's leg and it found its way behind Carey Price. The Habs seemed rattled for a few minutes but a little under 10 minutes later, Nate Thompson chose the right time to score his first goal wearing the Tricolore's uniform and tie things up. Kudos to the freshly back from injury Byron who worked his magic to get the puck to the front of the net. After one period, the score was squared at 1 and the Habs had taken 19 shots on the Bolts' goaltender Eddie Pasquale (Vasilevskiy had played last night and Louis Domingue was injured). As per usual, it was quantity over quality shots wise, but when you've got an inexperience goalie in net, you just shoot from everywhere.
The second period was somewhat of a cut and paste of the first frame with the Lightning getting the lead back through Cedric Paquette and the Canadiens coming back from behind thanks to Joel Armia. Tonight, whatever happened, the team did not give up, they kept going and they just looked like 20 guys on one single mission and nothing was going to stop them from accomplishing it.
By the start of the 3rd period, the Bell Centre was buzzing the people who were in attendance were on edge, so much was ridding on tonight's result! Just before the 8 minute mark, Artturi Lehkonen scored the Habs' 3rd goal giving them the lead for the first time of the night and it was a lead they'd never lose. I must admit that I found this goal quite impressive. Lehky was in the thick of things and still had the presence of mind to wait for the puck to drop at the right height before trying to whack it and thank heavens he did! Imagine scoring such a big goal only to have it taken away because it was hit too high? The league ruled it a good goal before Cooper challenged it for goaltender interference. There really was no interference there and I imagine that was his way of taking a timeout to settle his team but it didn't work. Less than 3 minutes later, Lehkonen sprung Domi on a breakaway and he easily beat Pasquale to give the Canadiens a 4-2 lead which would hold until the end.
MAX DðŸ˜MI#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/UTvmVsgw7A
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 3, 2019
Quick thoughts: -The Lightning didn't have their number 1 or number 2 goalie and Victor Hedman wasn't playing but this was still a powerful club with heck of a line-up and the Habs dominated them;
-The Canadiens beat the league's best team and Carey Price did not have to steal the game, he made 22 saves with a .917 save percentage;
-Jonathan Drouin looked better out there tonight. Yes he did miss some great chances but the effort and the commitment were there;
-Philip Danault was everywhere tonight, 19 minutes on the ice, 4 shots, 5 hits, 3 blocks, an assist and 76% success rate in the face-off circle..it would have been hard to be better;
-Lehkonen received a well deserved first start considering he scored the game winning goal and set up the insurance one. The Finn also had 5 shots and 3 hits, it was nice to see him have such a game considering how many chances he missed this year.
Le GROS but de Artturi.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 3, 2019
Artturi's BIG goal. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/zpC3XHUrys
What does this mean playoffs wise?
Well, the Habs won BUT so did the Hurricanes while Columbus was hammered by Boston. Result? The Canes take the 1st wild card spot, the Jackets the 2nd and the Habs are still on the outside looking in. They are tied with Columbus points wise, but the Jackets have more wins so they win the tie-breaker.
Night off for the 3 contenders tomorrow, the Habs and the Canes will be back in action Thursday (and play again Saturday) while Columbus will play back to back games on Friday and Saturday. The saying says that it ain't over 'till the fat lady sings and unless I'm mistaken, we haven't seen Ginette just yet!
Side note, today I received my Club 1909 reward a Tomas Plekanec game used jersey. I think it makes for a great addition to my collection as he spent almost all of his career in the Habs' red, white and blue and has played 1000 NHL games. I was surprised to notice that the inside of his jersey's sleeves have velcro on them. Quite the unusual quirk there for Pleky...I can only assume that he does that the ensure that his jersey stays stuck to his turtleneck sweater while playing and doesn't get over his gloves. Why? No idea, I've asked him on Twitter but I doubt i'll get an answer...
@TomasPleky14 why the Velcro inside the sleeves? Is it so that they stick to the turtleneck sweater and don't get over your gloves? Nice little quirk, makes my GU jersey even more unique :) would love to get your autograph on it! #club1909 #gohabsgo pic.twitter.com/2Bw5BJHfZO
— Karine Hains (@Pheebs888) April 2, 2019