Juraj Slafkovsky's Historic Hat Trick Leads Canadiens to Overtime Victory

In a thrilling start to the Eastern Conference First Round, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in overtime on April 19, 2026. Juraj Slafkovsky, the Canadiens' 22-year-old forward and first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, scored a historic hat trick, including the game-winning goal just 1:22 into overtime. This victory gives Montreal a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

ESPNCanadiens’ Juraj Slafkovsky completes hat trick in OT to seal Game 1 Lightning winSports IllustratedJuraj Slafkovsky Hat Trick Leads Canadiens Past Lightning in Game 1Big News NetworkSlafkovsky’s hat trick lifts Canadiens over Lightning 4-3 in OT: Takeaways

The Canadiens opened the scoring at 13:24 of the first period when Josh Anderson capitalized on a turnover, firing a shot past Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. However, the Lightning quickly responded in the second period, with Darren Raddysh tying the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal at 12:15, followed by Brandon Hagel scoring just 29 seconds later to give Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead.

Slafkovsky’s hat trick lifts Canadiens over Lightning 4-3 in OT: TakeawaysBoston GlobeSlafkovsky Hat Trick Leads Canadiens Past Lightning in OvertimeSlafkovsky's hat trick lifts Canadiens to OT win over Lightning in Game 1Juraj Slafkovsky Hat Trick Leads Canadiens Past Lightning in Game 1Slafkovsky completes hat trick in OT, Canadiens defeat Lightning in Game 1 of Eastern 1st Round

Slafkovsky leveled the score late in the second period with a power-play goal, a one-timer from the right circle, assisted by Ivan Demidov. He then scored again early in the third period, converting another power-play opportunity to put Montreal ahead 3-2. Hagel answered with his second goal of the night, tying the game at 3-3, which forced the overtime period.

Juraj Slafkovsky Hat Trick Leads Canadiens Past Lightning in Game 1

The decisive moment came in overtime when Jake Guentzel of the Lightning was penalized for high-sticking with 21 seconds left in regulation. The Canadiens capitalized on the ensuing power play, with Slafkovsky firing a snap shot from the left circle to secure the victory. This hat trick marks Slafkovsky as the youngest player in NHL history to achieve three goals in a postseason opener, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's record.

Slafkovsky OT Hat Trick Gives Canadiens Game 1 Over Lightning

In addition to Slafkovsky's standout performance, Anderson contributed with a goal, while rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes made 20 saves. For the Lightning, Hagel scored twice, and Raddysh added another goal. Vasilevskiy faced 19 shots, stopping 15, but struggled to make crucial saves during the game.

Slafkovsky completes hat trick in OT, Canadiens defeat Lightning in Game 1 of Eastern 1st Round

Montreal's power play was particularly effective, converting 3 of 5 opportunities, while Tampa Bay managed to score on 2 of their 5 power plays. The Canadiens' ability to capitalize on special teams proved pivotal in their victory.

Sports Illustrated

Montreal coach Martin St. Louis praised Slafkovsky's performance, highlighting his growth and importance in playoff situations. Lightning coach Jon Cooper expressed disappointment over his team's penalties, stating, "We took four offensive-zone penalties... that was on us."

Big News Network

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. The Canadiens will aim to extend their series lead, while the Lightning seek to bounce back and even the matchup.

Sports Illustrated

• “I kind of saw some open space there,” — Juraj Slafkovsky, Canadiens Forward

ESPN

• “'That was a game that we just gave them an opportunity to win.” — Jon Cooper, Lightning Coach

Big News Network

The Canadiens' victory in Game 1 sets a competitive tone for the series, showcasing Slafkovsky's emerging talent and the team's resilience. As both teams prepare for Game 2, the stakes remain high in this tightly contested playoff matchup.

ESPN