The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face off in another crucial Game 7 of the NHL playoffs, a scenario that has produced memorable moments in their postseason history. As fans in Montreal gather outside the Bell Centre to watch on video screens, the tension is palpable.
Early Playoff Encounters
The two teams first met in the playoffs in 2004, when the Lightning swept the Canadiens in the first round. However, Game 7 situations between these franchises have been rare but intense. The most recent Game 7 occurred in the 2021 Stanley Cup semifinals, where Tampa Bay defeated Montreal 1-0 to advance to the final.
Key Game 7 Moments
In that 2021 contest, goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made 29 saves for the shutout, while the Lightning's lone goal came from defenseman Ryan McDonagh. The Canadiens had fought back from a 3-2 series deficit to force the deciding game, but fell short.
Earlier, in the 2015 second round, Montreal and Tampa Bay played a memorable Game 7 that saw the Lightning win 2-0. Ben Bishop stopped 22 shots, and goals from Tyler Johnson and Alex Killorn sealed the victory.
Historic Context
Overall, the Canadiens and Lightning have met in six playoff series, with Tampa Bay winning four of them. Game 7s have been decisive in two of those series, both won by the Lightning. Montreal's last Game 7 win came in the 2014 first round against the Boston Bruins.
As the teams prepare for another potential classic, fans on both sides remember the drama and heartbreak of past Game 7s. The Bell Centre faithful will be hoping for a different outcome this time around.
