“This is a coin flip right now between two teams that had the same amount of points (106),” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper after the game.
Brandon Hagel’s two goals led the Tampa Bay Lightning to a comeback victory over the Montreal Canadiens, winning 3-2 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round.
The Lightning trailed 2-0 before rallying to tie the series at two games apiece. Cole Caufield and Zachary Bolduc scored for the Canadiens.
Hagel’s performance included the game-winning goal, showcasing his impact on the ice. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 16 saves for Tampa Bay, while Jakub Dobes stopped 17 shots for Montreal.
Both teams are vying for a spot in the next round of the NHL playoffs. The closely contested series comes after both teams totalled 106 points in the regular season.
Yet, with each team winning two games, Game 5 will be crucial. It will take place in Tampa Bay on Wednesday.
The Lightning have experience on their side as former Stanley Cup champions in 2020 and 2021. The Canadiens are a rising team trying to follow their blueprint of success.
If Game 5 requires extra time, it would mark only the third time in Stanley Cup Playoffs history that the first four games of a series went to overtime.
With both teams evenly matched, every play will count as they aim for advancement in this tight series.
The stakes are high and anticipation builds as fans look forward to Game 5.
