After facing what could have been their last game of the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals, the Montreal Canadiens picked up a much-needed win in Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Habs picked up a 3-2 win in overtime, keeping the doors open for them to remain in the Stanley Cup Finals at least a little while longer.
The Lightning still have a 3-1 series lead against them, meaning they have another chance to win the cup in Game 5 tonight.
Game Recap
Throughout the entire game, the Lightning came out playing with lots of intensity, outshooting the Habs 34-21. From the beginning of the first period, things weren’t going the way the Habs wanted.
The Habs only had one shot on goal within just eight minutes of the first period. While the entire match proved to be a challenge, the Habs made an effort to work hard.
Josh Anderson scored a goal in the first period and there was some good goaltending by Carey Price to help keep the Lightning at bay.
In the second period, there was a bit of a struggle, but the Habs worked through it. They were able to keep the pressure against the Lightning and were able to open up many chances for scoring throughout their powerplays.
Ryan McDonagh, the Lightning’s key defenseman, quickly changed the beat for the Habs, scoring late in the second period to tie the game at 1 apiece.
The next goal came from Alexander Romanov, the Habs’ defenseman, giving the a 2-1 lead. At that point, the Habs got some reassurance that all hope wasn’t lost in Game 4.
Consequently, Mathieu Joseph came back for his team, eventually tying it up at two in the third period.
The Big Overtime Game
Now, at this point, the Lightning forced OT. That meant everything for both teams would be at stake. The Lightning absolutely needed to win so they could get their hands on the Stanley Cup Trophy and the Habs needed to win in order to stay alive in the Finals.
It was Josh Anderson who scored in overtime, ensuring the Habs would take Game 4.
While the Habs can feel a sense of relief, they can’t sit back and relax. The Lightning still has a 3-1 advantage over them, meaning Game 5 is all up for grabs.
Tonight’s game will be a home game for the Lightning, which brings the pressure for the Habs. They will have to take charge of this game in the Lightning’s home with thousands of fans rooting for the home team.
While Game 4 was sort of shaky, it is important for the Habs to bring as much intensity as possible against the Lightning during tonight’s crucial matchup.
The game is set for tonight at 7:00 p.m.
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