Canadiens Eliminate Lightning in Game 7; Avalanche Win High-Scoring Opener

The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 7 on Sunday, eliminating Tampa Bay from the first round. Alex Newhook scored the tie-breaking goal with 8:53 remaining in the third period. Nick Suzuki also scored for Montreal. Goaltender Jakub Dobes made 28 saves.

Montreal secured its first series victory since 2021 and will advance to face the Buffalo Sabres in the second round. Tampa Bay exited the playoffs in the first round for the fourth consecutive season. The Canadiens generated nine shots on goal in the game.

In Denver, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 9-6 in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. Cale Makar scored two goals, including one with 2:54 left in the third period, after returning from an earlier injury. Nathan MacKinnon added an empty-net goal with 2:08 remaining.

Fourteen different players scored goals in the contest. Colorado established a 3-0 lead early in the first period. Minnesota responded, taking a 5-4 lead on a short-handed goal by Marcus Foligno in the second period. Devon Toews tied the game at 5-5 in the second period. The game marked the 10th playoff game in history with at least 15 combined goals.