Brendan Gallagher, the right wing for the Montreal Canadiens, celebrated with his teammates after netting a goal in the third period of their NHL game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. The moment highlighted an intense matchup between the two teams. (AP Photo/Mary Holt)
The Montreal Canadiens continued their winning momentum with a 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday night. Jake Evans was the star, netting a goal for the fifth consecutive game — a career-best. The Canadiens’ balanced attack featured additional goals from Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, Brendan Gallagher, and Alex Newhook. Goalie Sam Montembeault held strong, making 21 saves to secure the win, marking Montreal’s fifth victory in their last six games.
Tampa Bay had moments of brilliance, with Nikita Kucherov and Brandon Hagel each finding the back of the net. However, their efforts fell short against Montreal’s relentless offence. Lightning goalie Jonas Johansson faced a barrage of 36 shots, saving 31 of them.
Newhook got the Canadiens on the board midway through the first period with a one-timer. The Lightning responded early in the second, with Hagel levelling the score just 37 seconds in. However, Dvorak and Evans struck back, scoring five minutes apart in the second period to give Montreal a decisive lead.
Around the NHL
Sabres 4, Blues 2
In St. Louis, Jason Zucker’s power-play goal late in the third lifted Buffalo to a 4-2 win over the Blues. Jiri Kulich sealed the deal with a breakaway score. Tage Thompson shone against his former team, contributing a goal and an assist. Buffalo’s goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 35 shots, while Jordan Binnington managed 12 saves for the Blues.
Ducks 5, Oilers 3
Anaheim staged a thrilling comeback to beat Edmonton 5-3. Ryan Strome’s game-winner was confirmed after a video review. Mason McTavish capped the night with an empty-net goal, helping the Ducks end a seven-game losing streak to Edmonton. Oilers stars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid couldn’t save the night despite strong performances.
Red Wings 4, Capitals 2
Patrick Kane hit a milestone, reaching 1,300 career points, as Detroit bested Washington 4-2. Kane contributed a power-play goal and an assist in the first period. The Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin scored in his second consecutive game, inching closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record.
Penguins 3, Islanders 2
Sidney Crosby surpassed Mario Lemieux as Pittsburgh’s all-time assists leader, aiding the Penguins’ narrow win over New York. Crosby now holds 1,034 career assists. Evgeni Malkin’s power-play goal in the third proved decisive. The Islanders’ rally from a three-goal deficit fell short.
Golden Knights 3, Flames 0
Brett Howden’s 15th goal of the season helped Vegas shut out Calgary. Goalie Ilya Samsonov recorded 31 saves for the Golden Knights, who are riding a six-game winning streak.
Senators 3, Wild 1
Josh Norris broke a third-period tie with a power-play goal, leading Ottawa to a rare win in Minnesota. Leevi Merilainen made 30 saves for the Senators, who have won seven of their last nine games.
Stars 5, Blackhawks 1
Dallas overwhelmed Chicago, with Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn leading the charge. Connor Bedard scored for the Blackhawks, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Stars’ dominance.
Kings 5, Flyers 4
Anze Kopitar’s two third-period goals lifted Los Angeles to a comeback victory over Philadelphia. Adrian Kempe contributed a goal and an assist in a thrilling matchup.
