NHL LIVE: Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning – Full Game Live Regular Season December 9, 2025
to Montreal, Quebec. Man, there’s not a better place to watch hockey. And we are ready to roll tonight here for EA Sports. Opening face off just moments away. And after a full day, we are officially underway here tonight. Great use of the twin as he puts that one away. plays the P. Here’s a center pass and that’s intercepted. Here’s a short pass to BU. Look at this. They’ve got some bodies here on the attack. Another one. Oh, what reaction grab by Headman. Moses quickly over to Cucherov. Here they come on the attack. And now he tries to get it across to Cfield. takes the punch along the boards, moves it to Cooerov. The Bolts move to the offensive zone and he’s got that one. Picked up by Suzuki. Gains the zone from the right. And O’Connell for that loose puck along the boards. Oh, and a nice play to free up the puck there. Quick feed to Headman. Here’s a chance. Montreal’s got the puck into the offensive end now. Confidence got it along the boards. Basilleski’s got the puck and he’s going to hang on. Lots of time left in this period. We’ve still got zeros on the board. The Bulls win the draw here in their own end. Mcdana’s got the puck in his own zone. And that was stolen out center ice and now it’s grabbed by Kevin. Score and they finish it on the rebound. What a play. At times the game can be a game of ping pong and you got to find a way to retrieve the puck. That’s exactly what he does right there, James. He’s hard on it. You got to have hard nose. Got to roll up the sleeves and get a little bit dirty. He does it. He finds himself in possession of it and he takes it to the net. Montreal’s talked a lot about getting off to good starts and look at this case in point right here. Well, yeah, you get up by one goal early in the game and it just creates momentum all around your bench. Everyone gets on the ice. They want to contribute. They want to be the one to get the goal on the board and continue to increase this lead. I think they’ve been real effective to start this game. Rainbow dialed in right now. Just have a look at that last save. I mean, he had to be moving extremely well in his crease to be able to get to position to make that save. The Canadians come up with the defensive zone draw through the neutral zone now picking up steam. Delayed penalty looming. The Canadians will play it in their own end. And the puck stopper tags his man to get the extra attacker on the ice. And he’s tripped up on the play. The referee’s hand goes up here. Big stop along the boards. They battle for the puck back and forth. Whistle blows stopping the play. We’ll have to get all this sorted out here, James. There’s going to be multiple calls on this play. What an opportunity for the power play here. They’ve got lots of time to work this five on three. In a five on three, you have advantages all over the ice in the offensive zone, but you still can move. You can move and isolate players. When you do this, you create movement, more opportunity. That’s exactly what you have to do. Takes it to the net. Oh, how about that for sacrifice? Well, on a PK, you have to sacrifice. And I love the way that he gets out there aggressively and make sure that that shot does not get to the net. Handles the puck, tries to feed it over to Thompson. Big time save. Oh, he is looking good there tonight. Blocked. He may have just stopped it. I think he did, James. I mean, you got to protect the house, especially when it’s a great threat shot like that. And he finds a way to get in front of that and quick. Montreal’s got a hold of it along the wall on the right side. and he goes even on the neutral zone. Looks like there’s a delayed penalty being called here by the officials. There’s the whistle and here’s the call. The Lightning have been handed a twominute penalty for crosschecking. Not a great penalty to take. I mean, you’re down a goal. You’re trying to fight to get back in this game and now you find yourself short-handed. Montreal’s got a five on three and the clock’s their BFF here. Oh, and that is a lot of time on a five on three. You have to have a sense of urgency here though because if you pop one by, you still have the man advantage. And manages to clear the zone. Struggle on the boards. They’ve got it for the P. Hudson’s got it behind his own net. And now it’s Suzuki inside the offensive zone. And there’s a save. Quick pass to Cfield. Slavowski. So effective in the ozone. I mean, he knows how to put the puck to the net. He got the go-ahead goal earlier and now he’s looking for more. Oh, you could just feel this one coming, couldn’t you, James? I mean they’re on the power play and what an effective one it was. I mean they are freshman all over the ice. Even when they lose it they are first on retrieval justounding it and they wore the PK unit down. They looked for their moment and they converted. Gonzalz and company still short-handed here as they get ready for the faceoff. And they’ve got the puck after that neutral zone faceoff. The Bolts get a hold of the puck along the boards. Montreal stop possession here in the offensive zone and they move the puck out of harm’s way. Handles the pass in the right wing and they’ll be forced to regroup as the puck leaves the zone along the half wall with the puck. Feeds the over. Scooped into the trapper by Vaselki. You see goalenders working with traffic and practice all of the time and the goalender is able to find this because he’s dialed in. His eyes are on the puck and he doesn’t lose sight of it. Another faceoff looming here on this power play. Tampa Bay’s won the draw. Puck is frozen and we get a stoppage in play. Points ready for the draw as they continue to be short-handed here. Tampa Bay’s got it in the defensive zone. Here’s a short pass to point. Says the pass over. Takes the shot. That was amazing. What a save by Vasilleski. Does it again with the stop. What a great job of tracking the puck up. One but two consecutive saves. Another big face off looming as this power play rolls on here tonight. Montreal’s won the draw. They’ll go to work. Quick pass to go in the second and they’ll go on the attack. Loose battle along the board. The Canadians gain possession along the wall. Makes a save. Power teams are so critical James and they have executed with the player advantage all night long. This power play was relentless James applying a ton of pressure on their opponent. This PK unit is worn down and tired. Why? Every time that it didn’t go in, they were able to retrieve it. They hound box two on it and eventually it made its way in. The Canadians came ready to play in this one and the scoreboard shows it. Suzuki’s won the draw at center. Gets the full use of his stick on the pin. Can’t hang on after that hit. So that’s number two. All over the putts tonight. He’s feeling. He’s confident. You got to believe he’s got to be looking for the happy. I really like this shot, James. It’s about accuracy when you recognize there’s a screen net from the goalender. He’s down in the butterfly trying to make himself as big as possible. Not big enough for that shot. And we’re going to see a swapping of the goalenders. Sometimes you just have to reset and they’re going to get him out of the net. And he’s getting fast. He wants out of there. Montreal’s had the shot advantages and they also had the lead. And there’s a little boost from off the wing as Centers were tied up there. Passes out front and back that goes off someone in front. Dishes it to Hel to his teammate. Lays out to get in front of that one. Montreal’s got a hold of the puck from the right side. Takes the pass. The Canadians take it along the wall and makes the save. Oh, and a smart heads up play with a bank pass. Fires it on net. Redirected off a stick taken by Gallagher. Dishes it off. Finley’s stick handling in his own zone. The Hats get a hold of the puck in their own end. Hooked away at center by Cfield. Tampa Bay’s got him along the wall. Fires it. for the horizon. Poncho has been outstanding tracking props and making huge saves like that one right there right from the slot. And a stick in the lane deflects that one away. Puck moved over to Finley. The Bolts had a terrible start, James. They didn’t look prepared or ready right off. And he makes the save. The Habs gain control of the puck against the wall. And that’s a great read to pick off the pass. Evans takes it into the offensive end. Tampa Bay’s got it in their own zone. Montreal’s got the puck in their own end. And now it’s grabbed by Dobson. Quick pass across to Slapovski. The Canadians looking against the half wall. Musa quickly over to James. Nice zone entry from the middle. Montreal’s got it behind the net. steps inside the attacking zone down the left wing. Tampa Bay’s got the puck inside the defensive zone. Sends it over to Gonzalez. Stopped by the goalender. The Canadians have it against the wall. Here they come up along the wing. Big hit and that frees up possession. Battle along the boards. Great poke by Anderson. Just a little too much contact. You couldn’t hang on to the P. Comes up with the stop. These are the small space skills that some of these athletes have nowadays. They work on it continuously in practice. But to maintain possession while you’re being jostled and shoved around, it’s incredible to see the hand eye coordination and the balance and the sequence to take it to the net. The Bolts look to start the transition game. works it across to Borkstrand and he loses possession to the puck after trying to make one too many moves. Almost looked as if he was going to get by the defender, but that extra move took his face away and it goes the other way. They gain the offense and zone from the middle to the middle and that shots blocked. Moves it to Stribble. Suzuki’s looking to complete the hattick. He’s got two in the game. He’s looking for his third. Quick feed to point. All alone on the breakaway and that chance falls apart and rips the iron. Tampa Bay is working hard but nothing’s been going right for them in this game. Another chance off the post and this is deflating for an entire bench who needs something to get them going. Douglas in the corner now. The Canadians take possession in the defensive end. slides it diagonally to Cfield and that’s broken out. Stoked up along the wall by Belo. Oh, he keeps it out of the massing go. This could be a real difficult spot for a goalender to come into. James, the team is not playing well in front of you. The starter’s been chased out of the crease and then you get peppered right away. Real tough. Montreal’s been the better team here in this first period and as a result they’ve got a big lead. Great read by the winger to take possession with the two centermen tied up. The Lightning have gained control of the pup in their own zone. Here’s the pass down low. Kicked up ahead to his teammate who skates away. What a steal at his own end. St. James. Not much was available, but that one perfectly executed. James, this is a completely full circle play. I mean, he initiates the contact that separates the player from puck, so they maintain and get possession. And then all of a sudden, he gets caught up in the play and gets the goal. So he starts it and he finishes it. The Canadians have done a great job moving their feet tonight and they lead here midway through the first. And after the draw center, they’ve got a hold of the puck. The Bulls gain control of the puck. The Canadians grab possession to the puck in frees up the puck and it’s turned aside by Walter Ball. Quick pass to Mat. Gains the zone from the right side. Here’s a shot and that’s deflected off someone in front. Feeds the puck over to Gensel. Montreal’s looking to break out of their own end. Takes a shot and that goes off someone in front and doesn’t reach the net. Gonalves gains the line and into the offensive zone. Sends it out front. Picked off in front. Here’s a short pass to Mat. angles it over to Gonalves. Picking up momentum across the zone here on the right side. The Canadians will play from the defensive zone. Montreal’s got the puck along the wall. Puts it on net. Long jam in front. That’s broken up. Passes on over to Gonalves. He grabs the puck here on the point. That’s glove by Mumbbo. Puck is frozen and will get a face off. Montreal’s offense has been on fire to start this one and still lots of time left in the first. The frozen biscuits dropped and we are back underway here. Was taking it from his own end. The Canadians have a hold of it in the defensive zone. Montreal’s got the puck. Puck scooped up by Lillberg. picks it off. Look out. Routine pass save made by Johansson. Oh, it serves up a little too sweet with that save. Passes it over. Here they come on the attack. Reaches out and uses the stick. Johnson for the bucket. It’s knocked away. Feeds it to Kerier. Moves it quickly over to Moleno. moves the puck along the half wall. Stopped with ease and we get a whistle as the goalender decides to hang on to this one. Montreal’s got the lead here in the first as they have been the more dominant team in the offensive area. Suzuki’s won the draw. Let it go. Makes the save. Whether you’re a player or goalender, so much of the training is about reaction. And you can certainly tell that it has come in handy for him because he makes an incredible save just by sin sinks alone. Big fight for it along the boards. A chance in front. Fantastic save. It’s amazing to me how he always looks like he’s in the right position because he tracks and reads the play so well. And this time he gets in front of the puck but right in the middle of the ice as the shooter’s got a dangerous opportunity. takes a hit. He goes down in the ice and coughs up the puck right in the open ice. That one’s picked off. Quick shot. Tremendous stop with the block by Johansson. He does a great job of having sound positional play based on where the puck is on that low inner slot and he makes himself big, takes away the holes and makes a save. Picked off by Feno. As an athlete, you always want to try and contribute and get things going for your team and especially when you’re You want to ignite a spark. Unfortunately though, they he tried it a little too much there and it gets taken away. Here’s a chance and he blocks the shot. Great defensive play. Tries to feed it over to Sheckai. Carries the puck through the neutral zone. The Bolts get a hold of it from the left side. They enter the attacking zone. Here’s a shot. A fantastic save by Mont. Oh, he pops it perfectly in the offensive end. And a great save. The Canadians get a hold of the puck along the boards. Great defensive effort with the stick. Quick pass across to Gensel. Montreal’s got the puck along the boards. The Canadians have it now. And he sidesteps the check there. The Canadians have it from the corner. Quick shot. Oh, that’s a huge stop by Johansson. cuts to the paint. The boards have the puck now. Bards looping in on the attack. The Canadians gain possession in their own end. Break away. Another play. This is a great play by the tender to anticipate and get across to make that save. Puck grabbed by Gensel. Tosses it to Gore. Picks off the pass. moves it to Gallagher. Picked up by Destu. Sends it across the ice. The Bolts are on the attack. Quick feed to Lberg. Oh, I thought he was going to be beaten and he somehow got a piece of that. Montreal’s taken full advantage of their scoring opportunities with a comfortable lead here in the first and they win the offensive zone face off. Now, let’s see if they can capitalize. Oh, you got to love the effort as he blocks that. Montreal’s on the attack. Slides and across. Works it across to Finley. Oh, and he whiffs. picked up along the boards by McDonald. Oh, big time hit along the wall. And this is why I’m glad I’m up here in a suit, Cheryl. And I’m right there with you, James. I wouldn’t want to be along those words either. Almost looked like he left his feet early, but nonetheless, it’s a bone crusher. Montreal’s capitalized on their offensive abilities here in this first period. The Suki’s won the draw here in their own zone. carries the puck up through center. Quick pass to Cfield. Easily turned aside by Johansson. And they’ll cover it up, forcing a stoppage in play. Puff ready to drop here any moment to get things underway again. Puck is dropped and he wins the draw here in the defensive zone. Montreal is ready to go on the attack. Brilliant save. Read it perfectly. Here’s a short pass to point. The Bolts take it across the blue line. Just slide to the net. The Bolts carried along the line. Here’s the shot. The Canadians have it now. Slides it diagonally to Bokei. Shot. denies him in close. I love the willingness to drive north on this and beat your opponent to the space in behind and that’s exactly what he does by a great body position. Just look at his legs and the wide base to be able to get in there and get that shot off. The Canadians are dominating in almost every facet of the game here in the first and they win the draw here in their own end. Tampa Bay is moving it along the wing. The Hats get a hold of the puck in their own end. Shot. Good save and he handles it with ease in front of the net and the goalender covers up for a whistle on the play. Montreal’s brought their aame here to the ring tonight. They lead it comfortably as we near the end of the first and they win the offensive zone face off. And here we go. Pumps it away on his own end. Grabs the puck in the defensive zone trying to shake loose. He’s in. What a stop on the breakaway through the neutral zone and into the offensive end. Stop by the goender. Well, this is just a great save from the slot area. I mean, he recognizes where that puck’s going. He gives it top of the net, but he takes it away. Montreal’s got a hold of it along the wall. Angles it over to Evans. Montreal’s got the puck in the defensive end. The Canadians clean along the boards. The Lightning have the puck in their own end. Handles the pass. Suzuki’s moving the puck through his own zone. Davidson’s got on the offensive end. They go on the attack through center. The Bolts gained possession along the wall. Oh, he lost it. Thunderous collision on the play. Well, and you got to love the sacrifice of this play here, James. This is how you go from defense to offense. You have to separate the body from puck. He does it perfectly. Grabbed along the board by Gensel. Montreal’s got control of the puck and they dump the puck in. And the Forwards are going to switch it up. The Bolts gain control of the puck against the wall. Moves it quickly over to Stuble. Tosses the puck loose. Gets a piece of it to keep it out. Great positioning by the goalender to redirect. But hold on, James. Looks like there’s going to be a call right there. Can they get the extra attacker out as the goender gets to the bench? Play dead. Let’s get the call. Stretch getting two for interference here. He’s off to the box. game. Sometimes you just don’t have your a game and tonight is one of those nights. I mean, they’re trailing in this game by a large margin and they’ve been prancing to the penalty box. That’s a tough penalty to take, but it’s showing your frustration. Well, I really like them working off the 131 sequence that they were successful on earlier, James. It really opens up the ice. So, you’re using and stretching the entire zone. And listen, there’s a lot of ice for the defense to cover. So, you can look to the flanks, you can look to the bunker, but a lot of options off of it. Golden shot. Great save by Johansson and that’s blocked away. Loose cut battle along the boards and that’s intercepted by Ce. Oh, what a great save by Johansson. Tries to get the puck over to Ginsel. Shakes off the defender with some nifty moves. Montbo’s going to hang on for a whistle. Still some precious time left on this power play as they get set to drop the puck. Fors won the draw here in the offensive zone. Makes the save and put up a fire in front. Mus Suzuki tries to get this man advantage going from the road end now. Oh, makes a save just enough to keep it out. Here he is from the slot. Makes another stop. Oh. Oh, what a save there, James. I mean, that’s situational awareness at its finest. Knowing exactly where the threat is and that’s no slot and taking all the space away. Paul’s got the puck and the puck leaves the offensive end. They’ll be forced to do it over from center. Pass right back. Looking to make something happen in the offensive zone. picked off by Cfield and all alone on the breakaway. And what happened there, partner? Well, I think sometimes when you have time and you’re trying to process, you’re taking a little bit too much time. I don’t think there was the confidence, right? The confidence to know exactly what he wanted to do. And in the process, he flubbed it. Here inside the defensive zone, they get the puck. Montreal’s got a hold of it against the wall. Big time stop there. He reads this play perfectly, James. He gets tight to the shooter. There’s no room to put it by him. A little bandit in Trashion now. York fans almost ready to get back on the ice. Takes the feed up ahead. The Bolts gain control of the puck. Well, with a hefty lead, the team scores. That puck is on and off his stick in a hurry. And it needs to be from that low zone slot area. James just beats the goalender because it gets off his stick so fast. Montreal’s coaches wanting to see more pucks on net going into this one. And I’d say through the better part of this first period, they have done just that. And now he moves it to Gonzalez looking to make something happen along the boards. Montto’s going to give everyone a chance to breathe and hang on to the puck. Montreal’s looking to take this lead into the intermission here as they’ve put a lot of pucks on net so far. Tampa Bay’s won the draw and a stiff break set up. Montreal’s got the puck at center. Clock ticking down here inside the first period. Slides it up to James. Sends a pass over. Tenacious battle for the puck along the wall. Quick feed to Kerier. Keep a pass to the middle and that’s stopped. Montreal’s got the puck. Blast to the point. Denise him. He got all of it. Now he slides it up to James. The Canadians move the puck in the defensive zone. tries to feed it over to Anderson. Tampa Bay is looking to break out of their own end. Taken by Sheckai. All right, there’s the end of period number one. We’ll take a breather. I’ll recharge. The players will too. And we’re coming back with period number two right after this. for our next team practice which will be open to the public. Initiative is simply by donation with all proceeds going to local charities. Back she’s pounder. I’m Sabolski. You do you. And here comes period number two. Set to get underway here in the second period. We’ll see if they can stop the bleeding. Well, Char, how do you send this one up through the first 20 minutes? The Canadians have a comfortable lead heading into the second period here, James. They can’t get complacent. They need to continue to do exactly what they were doing. Be aggressive, manage the puck, and fill the net. The Bolts gain possession and he handles the cross ice pass. Good possession along the wall. That’s gloved by Metal Ball and the puck stopper jumps on top of it to get a stoppage in play. Headedman’s back on the ice as he should be. The captain leader of this team. They’re getting blown out right now, James. But what better way to create some charge here by your captain settling everyone down. Ref blows the whistle as the puck’s covered up. Montreal’s been all over them here in this second period. Just look at the score and they have dominated in the shot clock too. The Havs win it in the defensive zone and that’s denied by Montro. A nice save by the goalender and even better and he redirects the puck to the corner to safety. Montreal’s got a hold of the P. Quick pass to Tfield looking to set up offensively. Tampa Bay’s got the puck. Oh, nice use of the boards with the paint pass. They’ve got some momentum here. Shot. There’s the whistle as the puck is frozen up. Montreal has been rewarded for putting pucks on net here early in the second. Confidence won a big draw in their own end. Chance in front and a huge stop by the goalender outlines. Here they come on the attack down the right side. The Canadians have it against the wall. Blocked in traffic. Quick pass across to Trinet. Carries it across the line. Montreal’s got the puck in their own hand. Can’t connect. Good use of the body on that play. Here’s a short pass to Slapovski. Tries to dangle and the puck skips away. moves it quickly over to New York. Angles that one. Handles it along the blue line. Takes the shot. Gives some nothing in front. I’ll tell you what, James, that ain’t incidental contact. That was intentional. Certainly trying to really drive that body and separate the player from Puck. The Canadians have dominated them thus far and continue to do so here in this second. Montreal’s going to start with the puck in their own end and he takes the pass. The Lightning have taken possession along the wall. Moves it to Lberg. And now it’s over to Cooerov. Can’t stay on his feet after that hit. The Canadians scoop it up along the boards. Montreal’s got it in their own zone. Oh, excellent use of the stick as he knocks that one away. Slides the puck across to point. There’s a great use of the stick right there to poke it away. Penalty coming up here. The Bulls will be forced to serve two minutes for crosschecking. They got to take control of this game right now here, James. And that means they got to start being disciplined. I mean, multiple infractions. They’re playing short-handed almost all game. They got to find a way to get to even strength and garner up some kind of momentum. Another power play opportunity coming up here as they set up for the face off. Well, this power play feels like it’s in rhythm and it’s concise tonight here, James. Sometimes it’s just working for you. They scored already on it and they were looking to get another. The Bolts take it along the wall. Fires it into the offensive zone. Montreal’s got the puck along the wall. Slides the pass over to W. Fires it on net. Denies him with the save. Confidence taking the puck behind the net. Oh, he stopped that one on the one-time. Dumps it in. picked up along the wall by Hel from their own end trying to kickstart this power play and he’s knocked off the puck there. Works it across to Celli. Broken up at center by Gallagher. The Canadians are dominating play and in my opinion, James, this all starts to work away from the puck. When you close quickly, you retrieve it first. They’ve done an excellent job of that and it’s gone the other way and they cashed in. Tampa Bay’s got possession while under man and that’s intercepted by Hudson. Montreal’s got him along the wall. Fires it. Gets a glove on it to make the save. Reaction time is so critical for goalenders because the way the players shoot in this game today, man, it is so tough to stop. So this one instincts glove goes up, makes the save. Suzuki’s looking to win this draw on this man advantage here. Oh, how about stepping it up. Ah, get out the ice packs. Hey, James, that’s what you got to do if you want to compete for a PK spot. He does exactly that and he takes away the shot. Quick feed to Suzuki. The Lightning have the puck in the open ice. Gets it against the boards and now he angles it across to Slatovski. Oh, waffle boards it to keep it out. Johansson’s been excellent tonight, James. I mean, the score could be a lot worse. The save percentage is great. He’s doing everything to keep his team in it. They need to shore up their defensive end and get going north. The Lightning have gained control of the puck short-handed. Cut almost back on the ice. Slides it diagonally to Kapan. With a comfortable lead, James, some would say that that power play really wasn’t a big deal, but I would say different. It’s really important that you push, you continue to work on your habits because the timing could be different next time. Shuts them down. Well, that’s a great power play, James. It’s all about possession and retrieval. They did all of that and found their way to shots on net and good opportunities just didn’t convert. Great save from tight. The boards are in transition. Quick pass to Gensel. takes the feed, knocks the puck down with a stick. The Lightning have gained possession. Tampa Bay is in on the offensive attack now. Here’s a short pass to Kan. Takes a shot. Love save made by Johansson. Goender hangs on for the whistle. Montreal’s had the better scoring opportunities and lots of them which is why they lead in a big way here in the second and they’ll start with possession. Couldn’t catch up to that pass. Both sides digging in for that puff along the wall. Takes the feet at the back end. No room for that one to get through. And now it’s grabbed by two and a great save. Well, these are the saves when you know that your goalender is dialed in. James, the ability to get to the top of the crease and be square to the shooter. That’s a great save. Broken up with a little physicality. The hitter in front. Big time stop there. Monto’s going to hang on to the puck for a whistle. Montreal’s done a nice job of generating pucks on net and as a result they lead here in the second off the draw they take possession moves it quickly over to Suzuki passes it to BU the Lightning have gained possession off the wall Montreal’s got control of it now from their own end the Canadians pick up steam and are on the attack reach of the stick to knock the puck away. Douglas plays it now. Tampa Bay’s got the puck against the half wall. Can’t maintain possession. Puck scooped up by Hudson from the left side. It moves to the middle of the ice. Moves it to point. What a steal in his own end. Here’s a shot. Stops that one. Great reach with the proche through center along the wing. Swing and a miss. Sneaks by the hook check. Quick feed to P. Stopped by the goalender. Getting a piece of that one and pokes the puck loose inside the offensive end. Quick pass to Suzuki. Blocked in front and a puck at the point. Tremendous block on the flight. And eventually erupts on that one because otherwise it would have been in the back of the net. Tampa Bay is moving it into the offensive end. Pass back to the point. He scores. Nita Coocherov, the former heart trophy winner, comes up with a big one. They’re able to open up this one-time by moving that puck around the offensive zone. He gets set to position. James, he’s ready for it and he lets it fire and it goes to the back of the net. Tampa Bay’s goal here in period number two gives them at least something to start working up that mountain. Yeah, they’ve been crushed all game and if they’re going to get up the mountain, it’s going to be a contribution from across the board. That can’t just be one player. It’s got to be a collective unit that goes after it and attacks. The Bolts move to the offensive zone. Beats it over. Oh, gets a prepper on that one as he just got enough of it. And he sends it across to Slapovski through the neutral zone up along the wing. Camp is looking to break out. Celli’s got it now deep inside his own end. The bolts clean along the wing. Oh, there’s a big time hit. Plus a massive and timely hit there. James saw his opponent with the head down lined up perfectly and through. I just love the physicality and the intensity of this play. Gaining speed through center. And here they come on the attack. Oh, and they go back on offense. Go covers up. We got to stop it from play. Let’s have a look at that last hit. I mean, that was absolutely huge change. You know that this is a momentum changer. You can see the bench erupt with that one. Montreal’s dominated right from the start. Their offense clicking on all cylinders and they lead here in the second and they take possession after the defensive zone faceoff. Puck grabbed by Rock on the attack along the boards. Hammers it on. What a shot. But it goes off the inside of the post. The Canadians have been on the right side of the puck in this game, James. And they’d be in the lead by an extensive amount if they could just find the back of the net. You meant how many times have they hit the post? That’s some smart heads up defensive play by Coov. Sometimes when you’re winning, you get overconfident and try and overhandle the puck. And this is what followed was a turnover. Coach isn’t going to be very happy. You got to game manage. You got to puck manage. And you got to make sure you make the correct play. Sometimes simple is better. Huge play in his own end to come up with the puck. Great extension on his part to poke it away. Johansson opted to hang on to the puck for a faceoff. Montreal’s message going into this one. We talked to them at the morning skate was to get a lot of pucks on net. They’ve done just that and they lead as a result. Off his own face off and he wins the draw. The Lightning have taken possession in their own end. Oddman rush. Oh, going wide. Coaches often measure scoring chances and he does a real good job to get to that spot, but he will be disappointed. It’s so difficult to get to. You want to convert when you get there. And he takes the feed. Picked up by Valeno. taken by Destu. Enters the offensive zone from the left. The Canadians have it behind the net. Looking for space inside the D zone. Here’s a short pass to Valeno. Montreal’s got the puck against the boards. And here’s the pass to Gonalves. Tosses it on to Hegel. Here’s a chance. sends it in front and he shuts down. A great scoring chance there. Covers it up. We’re going to stop in play. Montreal’s offense came to play in a big way and they lead big time here in the second. And a solid job tying up his opponent and he stinks that one with the glove and will get the whistle after the goalender hangs on. Officials have got both teams ready and it looks like play is set to resume here. Good job tangling up his opponent here. Ahead of steam now towards the front. Boost the stopped by the goender. Here they come through center and into the offensive end. Passes the puck over to Bulld. Nice connection on the cross ice pass to the crease. Oh, what a paddle save on the play. What a save. I mean, how quick do you have to be to be able to get on that puck, James? Anytime it’s in the low spot, you got to be on your toes. And that’s exactly what he was to be able to make the save. Montreal’s been rewarded for their high activity in the offensive zone with lots of shots. And they lead it here in the second. Oh, that one pops up short as he just gets enough of that one. And he takes the dish and that clings off the iron and a good read to get possession there with the two sentiments tangled up. Slapovsky’s got it along the wing. The Lightning have gained control of the puck along the wall and he dodges the poke check there. Great positioning by the defender. Smart read by the defender to come up with it. The Canadians get a hold of the puck along the boards. And here at center that’s intercepted. Headman’s got in the end zone. Tampa Bay’s got a hold of the puck now. That’s moved up ahead. Tampa Bay’s in now. The Canadians have a hold of it in the defensive zone. Back to the blue line. Oh, just a great heads up play by Shear. Sends it deep inside the offensive zone. Littlebergs lugging the puck. Nice feed from the left side up the middle from the left side. They enter the offensive zone. Loses possession after he takes a little hit. The Havs gain possession. Nice dish from the left wing. Broken up in the neutral zone by Paul. taken along the wall by Littleberg. Takes a spill onto the ice and loses the puck. Was going to play it against the half wall. And that’s a smart heads up play by Paul Wson, receives the pass. The Havs gain the zone. Moves around along the half wall. This is about to be done. It’s difficult to even quantify the number of skills that are used in this goal here. James, I mean, he’s got balance. He’s got great edge work and he knows it. You have to trust your edges in this situation. You’re baiting your check to come with you. You recognize where they are on your hip and then you turn on a dime, leaving the defender in a panic trying to get back in. Well, guess what? It ain’t happening. Montreal’s got to be feeling good about their game tonight. I mean, they’ve just moved the puck around so effectively. Yeah, they’ve gotten in the offensive zone because of their speed through the neutral zone. They’ve gotten good entries and then their puck possession in the offensive zone. I mean, it’s been so difficult to take it away. It’s been a string on their stick. They’ve been evasive. They’ve been elusive. And they’ve driven the net when they should have. And we’re still only in period number two. slides the puck across to Anderson. Dishes it off. Oh, how did he get a glove on that? What a stop by Johansson. The Habs have been putting lots of shots on net and have been rewarded for their efforts. They win the faceoff here in their own end to take possession. The Lightning have gained control of the puck in their own zone. Here we go. One man rush. Scooped up along the wall by Scroo. Montreal’s on the attack and he feeds it down to Hudson. Turned aside with the glove by Johansson. And the puck stopper hangs on to get a breather here for the team. The Habs have a decided edge in the shot department and also in the score as well here in the second. Sneaks away with the puck after he was tangled up on the draw. And that cars off a body in traffic. Moves it over to Celli from the right wing. He moves it to the middle. The Canadians gain possession along the wall. Montreal’s got it in their own zone. Oh, and he whiffs on it. Tampa Bay’s got possession at center. Moves it quickly over to Mat and some textbook body contact there. Oh, what a stop by Johansson. Well, with that hit, you can certainly sense that the frustration has boiled over. James is at a tipping point. They’re getting blown out in this game, but honestly, it’s their problem. It’s their issue because they weren’t ready to start. They did not start on time and there was none of that physical presence earlier in the game. Centers glide into the dots. We’re ready to get things back going again. Tampa Bay’s won the defensive zone draw. Here they come. Here’s a chance on the attack. Takes the bomb and loses control of the P. And that’s off a stick. Montreal’s double along the wall. The Bolts get a hold of it. Picked up along the boards by Headman. Slides the puck over. Oh, love the defensive stick work there to poke that one away along the half wall with the puck. Puts it on ins on that one. He decides not to cover up and sends it away. Montreal’s had the better scoring opportunities and lots of them which is why they lead in a big way here in the second. Finley’s gained possession and his great work inside the faceoff circle pays off again. Quick shot scores and they get one back here. I guess it’s something to look at positively, James. I mean, the goal scorer certainly is going to feel happy that they’ve contributed, but they’re going to have to find a way to dig themselves out of this hole. And it’s a large one at that. They’re going to put their work boots on and try and kick it into high gear if they even want an opportunity to claw their way back in this game. Tampa Bay’s got to find a way to build on this now. This is the time. It certainly is, James, and that’s something to build off when you get a goal. You can’t sit idly by like you have all game. You have to find a way to execute and create some momentum and more offense if they want to get back in the game. And he loses completing along the James app. He’s one of those players that’s known to put his work on, isn’t he? He’s not afraid to get tough and dirty. And this time, laying on the body and that turnover it results in a goal. He’s not going to get accredited with a point here, but everyone on that bench knows exactly where that play started. Montreal’s having a night as, as some kids might say, Cheryl, they’re balling out there here in period number two. Just loving it out here, James. I mean, they have had control of the play. They’ve been so dominant. It all feels effortless. And when it feels effortless, you don’t want it to stop. And they’ve got an intermission moving and you know, they want to stay on the ice across the line and get deflected. Oh, scores. That one went off the defender and past the goalender. Just an unfortunate circumstance here. The defender’s trying to get into the shooting lane and instead it ricochets off him and into the net. Tampa Bay’s been on their heels all night long, but they finally pushed back here in period number two. Certainly something positive to get on the board, but they’re going to have to build on top of it if they want to really create some momentum and believe that they’re back in this game. Offside the call will get a reset. Montreal’s been dominating at all ends of the ice, especially offensively here late in the second. The Canadians win the face off at center. They’ve got numbers here. Takes the puck behind the net. Looks to set up at the point now. Angles it over to Kerier. Tampa Bay’s crossed the line and on the attack and he turned that one aside through the neutral zone moving the puck along the side to the low slot. Goender covers up and we’ll get a face off. But when you’re on your own, James and just look at a highlight reel of the hat-tick that he’s had tonight. I mean, he does it different ways, but that puck is on his stick. has found his way to the net and he’s converted three times tonight. I mean, you just have to get the puck to him. You know, the coach and all his teammates are saying, “Get it over to him.” He’s going to put it in. The Canadians have generated plenty of quality scoring chances and a big reason why they lead late in the second period. Off the face off, they take the puck. Slides it to Celli. Look out. Here they come on the attack. Montreal’s looking to break out of their own end. Grabbed along the board by Sheai. The Lightning have gained possession off the wall. Tampa Bay’s got control of it now from their own end. Tries to make a move and can’t hang on to the puck. He is so dangerous when the puck is on his stick in the offensive zone, but he tries one too many moves and he loses the puck. Tries to feed it over to Borkstrand. Moves the puck inside the offensive zone. The Bolts take it along the wall. Oh, a quick little pickpocket on the play. Pass to Anderson. Solomon check to slow him down. Here’s a chance. Close save and the play continues. Rips it and that shot gets blocked by one of his own teammates inside the offensive end now down the left. That knocks him off the puck. Here’s a shot. Big save. Scrum on the boards as they battle for the puck. Moves it to Paul. And here’s a shot and puts it anywhere but the way he wanted it to go. Well, he does a great job to get to that prime time area there, James. I think he’s just trying to be a little too fine and he misses the net. And look at this. They really want to clean up the intensity here. comes up with the puck over to Don Sz. Another pass to the net. Oh, it stays out. What a save on the play. Right up the front to the offensive end. Quick feed to Gore in close. Locks it down with a stop. I think he got a blocker on that one. And now it’s grabbed by Suzuki. The Lightning have taken possession along the wall and he passes up ahead to Gourd. Here they are on the attack. Takes the pass. Takes a shot. Too much congestion in front and the puck’s burned away. Both sides digging in for that puck along the wall. Takes that pass back to the point. Montreal’s got the puck. The Canadians will play it in their own end. Montreal’s got the puck along the wall. Oh, and he drops it perfectly in the offensive end. Little burns got the puck in his own zone. Takes the feed. Montreal’s got a hold of it along the wall. Slides the puck into the offensive zone. Great Poke check on the reach. The Canadians have it in the offensive zone. The Bolts have it behind the net. Passes it over. Uh-uh. That’s blocked away. And that’s knocked away in the defensive end by Gore. And that won’t go as it hits one of his own teammates in front. Oh, look. Slush save. P scooped up by B. The Bolts will play it from the defensive zone. More than 3 seconds left on the clock. shot and that’s blocked in traffic. Intercepts the pass. Stopped by the goalender. The Havs have it against the wall. Quick pass across to Anderson. Moves the purple on the half wall. Big time play right there. Works it across to Gallagher. Oh, he comes up with a big stop there. Well, that’s how you get a puck, James. I mean, you recognize the timing it takes to meet your opponent right at the right time. And I mean, that’s just an explosive hit. Gets the job done. Montreal’s been an impressive club to watch tonight, especially offensively as they lead big here late in the second. The face off and now let’s see what they can do. Oh, how did he get a piece of that? Tries to get it over to point shot. Oh, he needed to make that save time down. And that’ll bring an end to the second period of play. Let’s get a clean sheet of ice and come back with the third period next. Welcome back to EA Sports. The final frame of this one. Third period is underway. I’d be curious if there’s a response here because to this point, it’s been simply too much to not enough. All right, Charl, let’s get your thoughts on what you’ve seen through two periods of play. Tampa Bay has got to find a way to manage the puck and do something with it here, James. You just look at the possession numbers and they are way too low and really tell the story of this game while they’re trailing. They have to have urgency. They got to be on point on the puck and then take it to the net. Quick pass to BU and now he passes it to Dobson. The Canadians move it ahead. Swans it out of midair. And a nice takeaway in the defensive end by Cooerov. Back to the point it goes. And the lane’s clogged up blocking that. The Bolts gain control of the puck against the wall into the offensive zone. Shot and there was stopped. Here’s a short pass to Slapovski. And he’s got that one. Slides the puck ahead to Hegel and they’ll go on the attack. Great pressure by Gallagher. Shots him down. That’s a smart heads up defensive play by Paul. Here they come. the rush takes it in front. Montreal’s got the puck along the boards. They try to maintain possession inside the defensive zone. Looking dangerous as they move along the boards. Fired into the offensive zone, allowing for the blue line to change things up. And he avoids the P check with some great edge work. Montreal’s got it against the boards. And the officials are calling a delayed penalty here. It looks like a trip. And there’s the whistle stopping the play. The Bolts are going to be short-handed because of a tripping call. The entire group certainly looks agitated and frustrated tonight. And it’s boiling over into their play. I mean, they’re dancing to the penalty box right now. And their opponent’s going to make a pay here, James. They got to figure out a way to reset the temperature with this group and get in rhythm. The Hats once again send out their power play unit. The power has been on point tonight. Always scored a goal. Another opportunity now. And it’s about the motion. I really like the way that they’re moving the coverage. They’re opening up the middle of the ice and they’re attacking the net. Takes the feed for the wing along the board as they battle for the puck. Moves it quickly over to Hudson. The Bolts get a hold of the puck under man. And now he passes up to Gensel. Here’s the pass. Montreal’s got the puck inside the defensive zone. Confidence got it into offensive territory. Tripped up on the play. Delay penalty coming up. Time for the officials to hand out the judgment. The Lightning have put themselves short-handed. Tripping the call. Being down by a bunch of goals and then you get running around with frustration and out of control. And that’s the reason why he took a penalty. And with that call, it’s a five on three power play set to go. A long five on three. Yes, you have more time and you know that you’ve worked on this in practice. Coach wants you to be patient with the puck, but they want you to find an opportunity to drive an attack. You have to move it, but you have to fire. Turn that chance aside. You know, the goal is dialed in when you redirect the puck to the corner. The Lightning have the puck well under man. Montreal has scores. There’s the They’re going to have to collect them. This is going to take some time, but man, is he ever had an effective night. He had two and he was thinking three all the way. There’s so many sequences that lead to this score, but it’s all initiated with the contact on this play. The team’s able to get possession and get on their horses to be able to get this score. But this he’s not going to get an assist here, but the entire team knows that he was the initiator in the entire thing. Montreal’s been running away with this one since the beginning of the game and no signs of slowing down in the third. It’s been a productive night and this is one of those games that gives everyone confidence and this is important for your lineup as everyone gets it as they feel like they’re contributing. Looking to break out here on the power play. Takes the shot. Makes the save. Here’s a blast. Block shot. Well, if you want to be on a PK James, you have to know how to get in front of shots. And he does exactly that. Taking away the threat. And it’s stopped by the glove. Nice play there. Celli’s ready for the draw as they will continue to try to kill off this penalty. Back underway as he wins the draw inside the offensive zone. There’s a stoppling for the puck and he loses control. Kappaan’s got it in the defensive end. Nice slow entry from the right side. Moves it to Kappan. Quick stop. Oh, denies him with the paddle save and the traffic jam in front. Blocks the shot. Play whistle dead offside the call. They’ll get set to drop the puck as this power play continues. And they grab possession of the puck after that center ice face out. Fires it on net. And there it is. Stopped by Johansson. Here’s a chance. Denied by Johansson. Quick feed to Gensel. On the attack, they come down the right wing. Quick pass to Evans. Suzuki’s had such an impressive night offensively. You know, that’s his wheelhouse as he loves to have the puck on his stick. He creates, he’s confident with it, and he’s got a multi-point game. And offside, we’ll get a reset here. He’s been counted on and relied upon in the big moments of this game to come up with a big save. He almost makes it look easy here, James. You know, sometimes you’re not under siege, but you still have to come up huge when the timing is called for, and he does. He comes up big and really gives his team an opportunity. Gourds recognizing they’re still short-handed here as they get ready for the faceoff. Suzuki’s won the draw center. Deflected away. Nice defensive use of the stick there. Great pressure to force the turnover by Suzuki. Here’s a short pass to Gore. Montreal’s got a hold of the puck now. Slides it diagonally to Slapski. Yeah, they’re handedly winning in this one, James. And they didn’t execute on the power play, but there’s a bunch of athletes on that team that want that job. And it’s about executing to the best of their ability. You know, they wanted it. There’s the whistle as the puck stopper likes to hang on. The Canadians are on cruise control here in this third period, leading big. The Bolts take possession here inside the offensive zone. And a great save. Here’s a chance to clear the puck on his own end. And they take care of business on the play. The Bolts gain possession in their own end. Musa quickly over to Celli. Oh, he’ll feel that one. Moves it to Headman and He scores. I love the way he gets to position here or James and makes himself available to get a stick on that shot. I mean, to redirect and deflect that puck, it’s not easy. Sometimes your body’s taken, but when your hands are free and your stick’s free, that can happen. The Lightning haven’t looked very good at all tonight, but here we go with something in the third. You know, the staff is going to be proud that they fought right to the end here, but they’ll look to utilize their bench knowing that this game is out of reach. Tampa Bay is going on the attack as they gain the zone. Feeds it over to Headman. The Bolts looking against the half wall. And that shot goes nowhere as the lane was filled down the right wing and into the offensive zone. Johansson’s got the puck and he’s going to hang on. The Canadians have shown no signs of slowing down here in this third period. A big The Bolts win the draw. Tampa Bay’s got the puck in the defensive end and tries to make a diagonal pass to Cucherov. Lead pass it ahead. Stopped by the goalender and he loses control here. Tries to get it to Davidson. He carries the puck up along the wing. Sends it in on the attack. Angles it over to Thompson. Quick feed down low. Scrum along the boards. centering pass in front. Great defensive heads up play to pick it off. Here’s a beat in front. Great defensive play to pick off the pass. Moving into the attacking zone, fires it and he comes up with the glove save. Puck is frozen and will get a faceoff. The Havs continue to lead here in this third period. They’ve been the busier team offensively. Suzuki’s won the faceoff here in the offensive zone. Made the save on the play. The Bolts have it now. Montreal’s looking to break out of their own end. Pent over to Bulld. Quick feed to field. Tampa Bay is going to play the puck from behind the cage. Here they come inside the neutral zone. The Canadians look to start the transition game. Here’s an onman rush. Puts a little mustard on the hit to knock the puck loose. Oh, how did he keep it out? What a blocker stop by Johansson. The key to being a great goalender is not giving up second shot opportunities. And it’s playing the rebounds to the corner. He does an excellent job here. Hammers one from the point. Turns him away. The Bolts get a hold of the puck along the boards. And now he tries to get it across to Gore. Passes it in front. And that’s intercepted. And now he moves it to Davidson. They’ve got the defense outnumbered. Blocked. Although that might be a save. Well, that is a save, James. I don’t think the goalender would have gotten to position in time. He’s able to take it away. There’s the whistle as the goalie hangs on. The Habs have looked sharp tonight. Lots of pucks on net and a lot of goals as a result. Confidence won the draw and they’re on the attack and he takes the feed. Puts it away on a slap shot. Scrum along the wall. Montreal’s moving it up the ice, looking to make something happen in the offensive zone. Takes the feed at the point. Jumps it to the other point. Comes up with a stop. Goender covers it up and we’ll get a reset here. The Canadians have continued to put lots of pucks on net and they lead it here in the third. Tampa Bay is going to start with the puck in their own end. Moves it on over to Gensel. Great pass from the left wing up the middle now. A little dipsy doodle and he loses possession of the puck. He’s got such a slick set of hands. He’s trying to manipulate his opponent one by one, but he tries one too many James and he loses the puck. Picked up along the wall by Headman and he gives it over to Hegel. levels him with a hit and they’ll be forced to regroup as the puck escapes the offensive end. Taken along the wall by Gensel. The board’s played along the boards. Gallagher’s moving the puck through his own zone. And now it’s over to Slapovski. Jled off the puck. Takes a shot. Fantastic save. I really like to save James because he challenges the shooter who’s all alone in the slot area. He turns aside a real dangerous opportunity and uses the length of his stick to knock that puck away. Sends the pass over into the offensive end now. Slides it across. Oh, what a save in front. This is a fantastic save, James. He’s all over it. What I mean by that is he knows exactly where it is and where it’s moving. a reason why he can get square to it and make the save. The Bulls gain possession. Let’s see what the officials are calling. The Haps will now be under man with a cross-checking penalty. When you elect a cross check, you’re sending a message to your opponent. But if the official is there, guess what? You’re going to march your way to the box. Tampa Bay’s man advantage unit will take to the ice for the first time tonight. The first power play of the game is a real tone center. You know, you’re on your toes and you’re really showing the other team that you mean business. You can be poker and they got to be disciplined if they don’t want you to capitalize. They get it out of the defensive end. handles the puck and now he angles it across to Celli and he uses his reach to disrupt the play on their heels trying to clear gets it out of his own end. Tampa Bay’s got possession of the puck. Quick pass to Barkstrand. Montreal’s got the puck short-handed and they get the puck out of the danger zone. Tampa Bay’s got a hold of it against the wall. Tries to feed it over to Bjorkstrand. The Bolts carry it along the wall. They’ll want to clear the zone here while they’re trying to kill off this penalty. Gets it out of his own end. The Lightning have the puck against the boards. Well, the game certainly isn’t predictable, is it James, as it’s going back and forth, goals from all areas as players shoot from all angles and attack the zone. Lugs the puck into the offensive zone corner and the goalender grabs that one for a whistle to try to slow things down here. Points at the faceoff dot ready to win this draw on the man advantage. The Bolts win the draw. handles the pass. Quick pass across to Cooerov. Oh, just a great heads up play by Kier. Here’s a short pass to Gallagher. There’s another hit on the play. He’s going to feel terrible tomorrow, James. Over and over again, he’s been throttled. He’s got a step. Grabs the puck here in their own end. Stooped up along the wall by Gallagher. He got all of that hit. Puck grabbed by Hudson. Sent into the far corner. Tampa Bay’s got the puck with the bank pass and he serves it across to Celli and tries to make a diagonal pass to Cusher from the point. Looks to make something happen. Nice play short-handed as they get control of the puck. And a great job by the short-handed unit those last few moments as the penalty expires. Coach won’t be happy with that. James didn’t make the PK unit move at all. You have to create some motion and make adjustments based on what they’re doing and this power play unit didn’t do any of it. Montreal’s been way more active here tonight on the ice and they have certainly capitalized on their opportunities and continue to lead in the third. Moves it quickly over to Kerier. Looks to pass it to Suzuki. Slides it on over to Mcdana. loose to Paul and skilled use of the stick to poke the puck away. Picked up along the boards by Kerier. Good fight for the puck along the boards. Here’s a chance. Big stop by the goalender right in front. Absolutely love this save, James. I mean, the shooter’s in a point blank range right in that low slot and it just taken away Grand Larseny. Back at the point, he’s set it up and that’s blocked from someone in front. And some good footwork to kick it away. Pushes it across to Mcdana. Quick feed to Hudson. Sends it over to Shai. Brings the puck into the offensive end now. Loses the coverage there. And that pass goes off a stick. Monto’s going to hang on for a whistle. Montreal’s been total non-stop action in the offensive end and they continue to lead in the third. Suzuki’s won the draw inside his own end to the offensive end right up the middle and that carries off a stick. Works it across to Madison scores. Look at that. The game is a hodgepodge of counters and this is exactly what needed to happen. They were scored on. They respond quickly and they find themselves in a favorable spot. Coaches always say take away the eyes of the goalender and this is exactly why. You can see him trying to find the puck at every corner, reaching around bodies up and down, but he can’t find this puck and it winds up in the back of the net. Montreal’s performance tonight still showing no signs of let up here in this third period. Well, they’ve had such an impressive performance, James. It’s been dominant in all areas of the ice and there’s been no lag or no let up. The message has been clear by the coaching staff as well as everyone on the bench. Keep pushing. And he moves it up to Douglas. Tampa Bay’s got it on the wall. Montreal shot it from behind the net. Nice feed from the right wing. Raw is having himself a game, James. I mean, he’s already got a goal. Pucks on his stick and really looking to do some more damage. Sends a pass over. Denies with a save. Bon on the boards. Pushes it across to Anderson. Carries it across the line. The Canadians pick up the puck here in the neutral zone. top five. Yeah, they’ve been jumping at the bit. Now they got the opponent on their heel. They need a quick change here and find a way to continue the momentum. Man, is he such an efficient shooter, James. I mean, he’s got to get the shot off quickly, but he also has the presence in mind to keep his head up and know exactly when that screen is going to be there. That’s a beautiful shot that makes it through the traffic jam. Montreal is playing almost like they want a day off here tomorrow, Cheryl. Yeah, I’d say so. And you always look forward to a day off and this coaching staff has got to be impressed with this team tonight. You know, the ability to get the puck to net, driving the pace of play, and just having really great habits, consistent effort right through the game. And that pass is redirected. Cucharov’s carrying it ahead. Huge play in his own end to come up with the puck. Well, no question. This is a frustrating play for everyone. It almost feels like it’s going from bad to worst. You’re losing. You’re trying to get something going. Instead, you turn over the puck. Got a great heads up defensive play here. Montreal is ahead in this game because of their second line. I’ve been really impressed with their performance tonight, James. When you look at the trio, you have to look at the physical engagement, the way they’re distributing the puck. Hey, the finish that goes hand in hand with it. And he slides it quickly to Gourd and he takes the pass. The Bolts take possession in the neutral zone. Over the line they come. Quick pass to Finley. And now he tries to get it across to Gour and tries to make a diagonal pass to Hudson. Good heads up defensive play as he extends the stick and that’s broken up with a stick in front. Grabs it in his own end. Here they come to the left side on the attack. Montreal’s got the puck along the wall. Exploring offices here inside the defensive zone. Now he slides it up to W. grabbed along the board by Hegel. Oh, had a chance to make a nice move and the puck disagreed with him in front of the net and the goalender covers up for a whistle on the play. Montreal’s manufactured plenty of offense tonight and they lead here late in this third period. Puck is dropped and he wins the draw here in the defensive zone and that pass is stolen and the goalender comes up with a piece of it to keep it out of the net. Great positioning by the goalender to redirect it to the corner getting it out of danger. Hoops got it along the way. He’s not yet James a long time ago, but that puck is following him around and every chance he gets, he’s bearing it. Well, this is just a perfectly executed shot, James, as he drops into his butterfly position. He’s trying to himself as big as possible and get his blocker on it. He just can’t catch up to it. Montreal’s added yet another one here to the total tonight. What a performance. Yeah, they’ve had the puck on their stick for a majority of this game. You know, the coaching staff is going to be impressed. Hey, maybe they’ll get the day off tomorrow. Moves into the slot on top there. Well, it’s hard enough when you’re on the receiving end of a hit like that, James. And it’s even worse when you got to collect your trade. Made that stop. Takes the feed. Montreal’s number one line has been dominant tonight, James. They’ve been in the offensive zone. They’ve created a ton of opportunities and they’re a reason why they’re in the lead. Hooked up along the wall by Cfield. And that’s a smart heads up play by Bjorkstran. Slides it diagonally to Cooerov. slides it across to Celli. Drives to the sweet spot, denies him. Montreal’s got it in the zone through the neutral zone and into the offensive end. Slides it across to Gonalves. The Habs gain possession in their own end. Kerier’s stick handling in his own zone. Looking to make something happen along the boards. Big time stop. The Bolts have it now. And now it’s to Headedman. Ditched on over to Coocharov. Slides it across. Oh, a clutch save. Gets a hold of the puck from the right side. I don’t think anybody was hanging on to the puck after that hit. Oh, we got a tripping penalty coming up here. The officials were all over that. The Canadians are going to serve two for tripping here. Well, the official is right there to make the call. And no question about it, it’s tripping. Anytime you take someone’s feet out from under them, you’re going to head to the box for two. Another power play opportunity coming up here as they set up at the faceoff. Well, another power play opportunity here, James. And they can’t squander this opportunity. Find a way to get on the board other off the post. The Bulls need to find a way back into the game and that’s not going to cut it when you wire one off the post. It’s a frustrating night and it just goes from bad to worse. And the puck stopper jumps on top of it to get a stoppage in play. Still some precious time left on this power play as they get set to drop the puck. Tampa Bay’s got the puck inside the offensive zone. That’s gloved by Montreal. And we got a whistle as the goalender decides to hang on to this one. Evans and company still short-handed here as they get ready for the faceoff. And off the draw, they win possession. Trying to come up with a huge defensive play to get this puck out of his own end. And the puck is clear. Well, you can see the entire PK unit, their heads are on a swivel, straight line skating, and they’re able to get that puck. And because they’re looking and aware, they’re able to find the white ice and get it 200 ft down. Slides by the chair and he hits one of his own teammates with that shot. The Bolts ready to go on the attack. Oh, one of his teammates is right in the shooting lane there. Puck jumped in. Here’s a short pass to Dustu. Gets taking it from his own end. beats it over on the rush and he heard the answer on that one. Oh, turns it aside once again. The goenders are the last line of defense for a reason and this time he bails his team out. Points ready for the draw as we get set to resume this power play. Offenses don’t face off and he wins the draw. Wow. Scores and they capitalize with the extra player on the ice and it’s a power play goal. Well, using the advantage of having extra ice available to them, James, that’s why their most skilled players are on the ice. That one’s executed to perfection. The Lightning have been dominated all night long and here we go. They finally catch a break now in the third. Yeah, they really haven’t had an answer to their opponent. They’ve been on their heels the entire game. There’s only one thing to do right now and is attack from all areas of the ice from the right side and up the middle. The Canadians have the puck in the corner. Here’s the clearing attempt. Taken along the wall by point makes his presence known on the ice. Long reach breaks up the momentum. Montreal’s looking to break out of their own end from center. They get into the attacking area. Scoops up the puck now. Moa quickly over to Gonalves and they send it right back to him. Beautiful read in the defensive win by Gallagher. Sometimes when you’re losing, a coach will give you a little more leeway to get things done offensively. You start to take some risks, but this one doesn’t work out in their favor. And it’s a quick pass to Douglas. The Bolts take it across the blue line. The Habs have a hold of it in the defensive zone. And as we hit the final minute of this one, that has been a one-sided affair. Huge steal at his own end. The Canadians move the puck in the defensive zone. Great use of the twig as he pokes that one away. And now he moves it to Paul. Here’s a shot. Keeps it alive and heads it up. Angles it over to Davidson. Takes a couple of knocks and loses control. The Canadians gain possession along the wall. Plays the body into that play. Great crush report for the turnover. Blocked by the defender. Nice play. And as the final seconds tick away, listen to this place. Recognize a hard earned victory. It time away. And he comes up big. This one’s pretty much over, but they’ll drop the puck one last time. Here it is. S, we are all over here in this one. Montreal’s title possession tonight just off the chart. It was like the puck was on a straight all evening today. Well, it was and it was in the offensive zone. And when you have the puck in the offensive zone, you create and you generate. And that’s exactly what they did from start to finish. The fans get loud once again to salute the Warriors here, Cheryl. Oh, yeah. This is a lot of fun. I mean, this is the connection that you see between the fan base and their team. And it’s a tradition, right? You come out on the ice and you want to salute them and say thank you for providing energy throughout the game. Thanks so much for joining us. We had a great time. Hope you did, too. For all of us here at EA Sports, I’m James Solowski. Good night. Heat. Heat.
A fast-paced Eastern Conference matchup is here as the Montreal Canadiens take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL Regular Season 2025!
The Canadiens bring youthful energy, speed, and dynamic offensive pressure, while the Lightning answer with championship experience, elite goaltending, and a powerful attack.
Expect big saves, high-speed transitions, and highlight-reel goals as these two teams battle for an important mid-season victory!
📅 Date: December 9, 2025
🏒 Matchup: Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning
🏟️ League: NHL Regular Season 2025
⚠️ Disclaimer: This is a sports simulation created for entertainment purposes only.
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