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Canadiens Lead Series After Slafkovsky's Hat Trick in OT

4/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Montreal Canadiens (NHL) aim to extend their series lead against the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) in Game 2 on April 21, 2026, at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, at 7 p.m. ET.
Juraj Slafkovsky scored a hat trick as Montreal won 4-3 in overtime.
Tampa Bay finished second in the Atlantic Division and must curb penalties after Game 1, while Montreal scored three power-play goals.

History

Historical Context

The NHL expanded from six to twelve teams in 1967, marking the end of the Original Six era and significantly boosting the league's popularity. This expansion included franchises like the Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues, who quickly made their mark. The Blues reached three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals but did not win until 2019, while the Flyers secured championships in 1974 and 1975.

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Story summary

The Montreal Canadiens (NHL) aim to extend their series lead against the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) in Game 2 on April 21, 2026, at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, at 7 p.m. ET.
Juraj Slafkovsky scored a hat trick as Montreal won 4-3 in overtime.
Tampa Bay finished second in the Atlantic Division and must curb penalties after Game 1, while Montreal scored three power-play goals.

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