Canadiens vs Lightning

Canadiens vs Lightning played on April 19, 2026. Final score: Canadiens 4 - Lightning 3. R1. Fan ratings and discussion on RateGame.

Top fan take from @FlameRaptorRaven: “If this game is any indication, this is about to be a fantastic series. A rematch of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Two great, fast and skilled teams going against each other. Even better, our first taste of playoff overtime hockey! In another matchup that could’ve been the conference finals if not for the idiotic playoff system, this lived up to the billing. Neither team could hold on to any permanent control of this game, both teams had their chances and it felt like every moment was an important one. Couple all that with the fact that many of the figures from the 2021 Final are still on their respective teams and you get lots of animosity. All this made for a back-and-forth game defined by sweet passes and grit. Most importantly, this has become a defining game for the career of former #1 overall pick Slafkovsky. Hat trick in game 1. Can’t do much better than that. The overtime was short lived and kinda awkward, but everything that got us there was GREAT. Can’t wait for more!”

Venue: Amalie Arena