The Montreal Canadiens are now one win away from advancing.
In Game 5 of their first-round playoff series, the Canadiens edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Tampa to take a crucial 3-2 series lead. Alexandre Texier scored the game-winning goal early in the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie and pushing Montreal to the brink of elimination victory.
Brendan Gallagher made an immediate impact in his return to the lineup, opening the scoring, while Kirby Dach added another key goal. Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes stood tall with a massive performance, turning aside 38 shots to secure the win.
Tampa Bay pushed hard late, but couldn’t find the equalizer despite a strong third-period surge. With every game in this series decided by just one goal, the intensity continues to rise as the series shifts back to Montreal for a pivotal Game 6.
🚨 Join us LIVE as we break down Game 5, key turning points, standout performances, and what to expect as the Canadiens look to close out the series on home ice.
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","author_name":"Shaun Starr"}