The Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2026 NHL season came to an end on May 3, 2026, as the team fell in a hard-fought Game 7 to the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 2-1. Despite controlling much of the play and dominating possession throughout the game, the Lightning were unable to overcome key fortuitous plays that favored the Canadiens.
Radio broadcaster Dave Mishkin recapped the game, noting how the Lightning outshot the Canadiens, who managed just nine shots on goal total and were held scoreless in the second period. Tampa Bay generated several quality scoring opportunities, but Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobes made 32 saves, making critical stops on some of Tampa Bay’s best chances. Dominic James scored the Lightning’s lone goal on a power-play tip during the second period.
The Canadiens’ two goals came under unusual circumstances involving lucky bounces. Nick Suzuki’s first-period tip-in off Tampa Bay defenseman J.J. Moser appeared to be intended on net but was initially going wide before deflecting in off Moser. Alex Newhook’s goal featured a fortunate bounce off Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy’s pad before crossing the goal line.
Lightning head coach Jon Cooper reflected on the outcome by saying, “They won the game but lost the scoreboard.” The narrow defeat marked the fourth consecutive NHL season in which Tampa Bay failed to advance past the opening round of the playoffs.
The series was among the closest in NHL playoff history and featured memorable moments for both fan bases. However, the loss leaves the Lightning reflecting on another early exit despite a strong overall performance.
Lightning Radio Three Stars
Phil Esposito selected the following players as the Lightning Radio Three Stars for the game: Jakub Dobes (Montreal Canadiens) with 32 saves; Dominic James (Tampa Bay Lightning), who scored the power-play goal; and Gage Goncalves (Tampa Bay Lightning), who assisted on the lone Lightning goal.
Source: Original report