Moser Buries the Dagger in OT and Lightning Steal Game 2 From Canadiens

The Tampa Bay Lightning are headed back home with a split after Moser buried a laser shot in overtime to lift Tampa past Montreal in Game 2 of their first round matchup on April 21. This wasn't some blowout. This was a back-and-forth battle that went the distance, and the Lightning found the answer when it mattered most.

A Playoff War of Goals

The scoring went back and forth all night. Hagel got things rolling with the game's opening goal in the first period, but Montreal wouldn't roll over. Hutson cranked a power play slap shot to tie it at 1, then Anderson and Danault combined for a goal that put the Canadiens up 2-1. The Lightning weren't done yet though. Kucherov answered with a wraparound goal to knot things up and send this one to overtime.

That's where Moser took over. His overtime winner ended it in dramatic fashion, sending the Lightning out of Montreal with a crucial Game 2 victory and evening up the series.

Stakes Are Everything Now

First round playoff hockey is not for the faint of heart. Every goal matters. Every shift can flip momentum. The Canadiens threw everything at the Lightning, and Tampa's depth and composure in the clutch moments proved to be the difference. Moser's ability to step up in overtime when the pressure is at its absolute peak is exactly what playoff hockey demands.

This series is wide open now. Both teams have a win. Both teams know what's coming next. The Lightning escape with a split and the Canadiens head home knowing they had their chances. That's the nature of playoff hockey in April.

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