Slafkovský Delivers Signature Game 1 Performance in Canadiens’ OT Win

The Montreal Canadiens couldn’t have scripted a better start to their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. A 4-3 overtime win on the road was as close to the definition of a “perfect playoff game” as the Canadiens might get.

It came equipped with a standout performance from Juraj Slafkovský. “I like the way we played, I like the way we defended. We just gotta do it again,” he said after the game. The team called a timeout early in overtime, but nothing was said. It was merely a chance to calm the team down and head coach Martin St. Louis made the right decision.

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While he’s been excellent on the international stage, Slafkovský delivered in a way that felt like his NHL arrival moment. That’s not to underscore his regular-season contributions, but the playoffs are a different animal, and frankly, where legends are made. The 2022 first-overall pick got what could be a legendary career off to a great start by recording a hat trick—all on the power play. He capped it with the overtime winner just 1:22 into the extra frame.

He led all players with seven shots and imposed himself physically from his very first shift, playing with the kind of force that the Canadiens need if they’re going to upset the Lightning.

The Canadiens got off to an early start. Then two goals, 29 seconds apart, but the Lightning went up by one. The Canadiens scored to tie it, and both teams got another goal, heading into overtime tied at three.

Slafkovský ended it early, and with five goals in his first six NHL playoff games, this was an exclamation point performance. The Canadiens didn’t just get a win; they may have found their playoff driver.

There’s still a long way to go in this series, and the Lightning will push back. But Game 1 revealed something important: the Canadiens aren’t out of this series.

Game 2 goes Tuesday night at 7 pm Eastern Time.

Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki each had two points. Jake Guentzel had three assists, while Brandon Hagel scored twice for the Lightning.

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