Alex Newhook's Third-Period Goal Ends Montreal's Drought: Habs Edge Lightning in Game 7

The Montreal Canadiens just snapped a five-year playoff win drought and they did it the hard way. Alex Newhook broke a third-period tie with the game-winning goal to lift the visiting Canadiens past the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 7 on Sunday. Nick Suzuki also scored for Montreal, who were completely outshot 29-9 and outplayed for most of the game.

They Played Defense and Got Lucky

Let's be real: the Canadiens were not the better team on the ice. Tampa dominated play, outshooting them 29-9. That's a brutal stat line. But this is playoff hockey, right? Sometimes you survive. Sometimes you steal one. That's exactly what Montreal did here, getting a crucial third-period goal from Newhook when it mattered most and holding on for the win.

Breaking Through in Game 7

For a franchise that hasn't won a playoff game since 2021, this is huge. Game 7s are brutally stressful, but Newhook came through when the pressure was maximum. Montreal got the result they needed against the Lightning, and now they're moving forward. It's the kind of resilience that keeps your season alive when everything else is working against you.

The Canadiens head into their next matchup with momentum on their side, proving they can win when it matters most, even when the shot count says they shouldn't.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.