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Lightning beats Canadiens in overtime

 
Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov, left, is checked into the boards by Lightning center Tyler Johnson during the second period.
Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov, left, is checked into the boards by Lightning center Tyler Johnson during the second period.
Published March 11, 2015

MONTREAL — With Canadiens goalie Carey Price having an MVP-caliber season, Lightning coach Jon Cooper said the key in Tuesday night's showdown was not to get frustrated.

"If we're doing the right things," Cooper said, "the dam will break."

It took just more than 61 minutes, but the Lightning did finally break through on Price, with Tyler Johnson's overtime goal lifting Tampa Bay to a 1-0 win at the Bell Centre. The victory pulled the Lightning within one point of first-place Montreal in the Atlantic Division, with this matchup living up to the hype.

Tampa Bay racked up 36 shots on goal — 75 attempts — with Johnson's pass to Nikita Kucherov in the crease bouncing in off the skate of Canadiens defenseman Tom Gilbert 1:03 into overtime.

"It was a lucky goal," Johnson said, "but we'll take it."

The Lightning definitely earned it, dominating good portions of the game, outshooting Montreal 36-19. Cooper said Tampa Bay treated it like a playoff game and delivered the kind of performance that can put it on a deep run.

"If we play like that," goalie Ben Bishop said, "we're going to win most nights."

Tampa Bay used its speed to get pucks down deep, controlling possession. And the Lightning played a sound defensive game, not giving up too many odd-man rushes.

"We played a good road game," captain Steven Stamkos said. "And deserved the two points."

While the Canadiens swept the Lightning in last year's playoffs, Tampa Bay has won all three meetings this season, including two in Montreal, with another game Monday in Tampa.

"We're a different team," Stamkos said.

But Price was the same Price, showing why many consider him a favorite for not only the Vezina Trophy but also the Hart Trophy as league MVP. Stamkos said they knew Price would make some big saves, but they stuck with it.

"He's arguably been the best player in the league," Stamkos said. "If there was another (goalie) in net, it might have been a different outcome,"

Not to be overlooked was Lightning goalie Ben Bishop, who was pretty darn good, too. Though not tested as much as Price — seeing just two shots in the third period — Bishop came through when called upon. The biggest save came late in the second period on a two-on-one, with Bishop making a blocker save on Max Pacioretty, then sliding across for a pad save on Jacob De La Rose.

"Just tried to get over," Bishop said. "Maybe a little lucky, but we'll take it."

The Lightning did suffer a loss Tuesday, with Ondrej Palat leaving the game after the second period after getting hit in the foot with a shot. Cooper said X-rays looked okay, but Palat will be re-evaluated today. Still, his "Triplets" teammates, Johnson and Kucherov, helped combine for the winning goal.

"We were pretty tired," Johnson said with a smile, "so I'm glad we scored."

Contact Joe Smith at joesmith@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_JSmith.

Lightning 0 0 0 1 1
Canadiens 0 0 0 0 0

First PeriodNone. PenaltiesDesharnais, Mon (slashing), 10:56; Gilbert, Mon (hooking), 13:45; Stamkos, TB (slashing), 16:52.

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Second PeriodNone. PenaltiesDe La Rose, Mon (tripping), 2:31; Pacioretty, Mon (slashing), 15:23.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesNone.

Overtime1, Tampa Bay, Johnson 25 (Garrison, Coburn), 1:03. PenaltiesNone. Shots on GoalTampa Bay 10-13-10-3—36. Montreal 6-11-2-0—19. Power-play opportunitiesTampa Bay 0 of 4; Montreal 0 of 1. GoaliesTampa Bay, Bishop 33-11-3 (19 shots-19 saves). Montreal, Price 37-13-4 (36-35). A21,286 (21,273). T2:30. Referees—Steve Kozari, Frederick L'Ecuyer. LinesmenShane Heyer, Matt MacPherson.