Lane Hutson breaks Lightning’s hearts with Game 3 OT winner

The Montreal Canadiens took on the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of their first-round matchup on Friday. The previous two contests went to extra time, with each team claiming a win. Very similar to those previous contests, Game 3 also went to extra time. And very similar to how Game 1 ended, Lane Hutson and the Canadiens emerged victorious.

The Canadiens and were moving the puck within the offensive zone in the course of the extra frame. Hutson received the puck at the purpose, and walked right into a heavy slapshot. This blistering shot was an excessive amount of for Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. Montreal won Game 3, taking a 2-1 series lead.

HUTSON IS THE GAME 3 HERO ‼️

Lane Hutson fires home the Subway Canada OT winner for the Canadiens in Game 3! pic.twitter.com/RD5wyKxyQf

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 25, 2026

The Canadiens opened the scoring on Friday night because of Alexandre Texier. Nevertheless, the Lightning refused to easily roll over. Brayden Point scored to tie the sport before the primary intermission. And within the second period, Brandon Hagel found the back of the online to provide Tampa the lead.

Montreal found its way back into it, though. Kirby Dach, who had been under fire for costly mistakes in Game 2, scored to tie the sport once more. Each teams battled for an equalizer in regulation, but it surely was Hutson’s extra time winner that ended the competition.

For the second time this series, the Canadiens have the advantage. Montreal might want to combat the house ice advantage the Lightning have should this thing go the gap. In saying this, they’re one step closer to the second round. They usually can put all of the pressure on Tampa with a win at home in Game 4.