Bolts Bounce Back: Hagel, Tampa Bay Complete the Comeback to Tie Series

The stars came to play against Montreal

Apr 26, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) smirks against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images / David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Game 4 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens was a hard fought contest that saw the Lighting come back from the first multi-goal lead that either team had this series. Just hours after Jon Cooper asked for more from his stars, they delivered in a 3-2 comeback victory.

First Period

The first period was the first scoreless first of the entire series. A period of major physicality that was dominated by the Habs, the Lightning only got off six shots compared to the Habs' nine, and Tampa had to kill of 2 power-plays. Keeping the contest tied at 0-0 was a huge win for Tampa although the Canadiens looked like the better team.

Second Period

ZACHARY BOLDUC HAS THE FIRST GOAL OF GAME 4 🚨 pic.twitter.com/WV3iYz97UY

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 27, 2026

Another sloppy period from Tampa saw the Canadiens jump out to the first multi-goal lead of the series. It started with a Zachary Bolduc goal on a breakaway 10 minutes into the period. Next came Cole Caufield, scoring his first goal of the series on the power play.

Tampa's inability to get the job done themself on the power play loomed large yet again as the Habs penalty kill unit killed both the Lightning's chances, including one where Tampa didn't even get a shot off.

Tampa had a huge opportunity late in the second period with another power play, but Brandon Hagel committed a slashing penalty to make it a 4-4. The 4-4 was exactly what Tampa needed as Jake Guentzel put Tampa on the board off a beautiful pass from J.J Moser.

Guentzel gets the Lightning on the board!!! 🔥🚨 pic.twitter.com/klzQ7ZUJch

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 27, 2026

Third Period

It was the third period that saw the Lightning remind the NHL what they are capable of. Nikita Kucherov to Brandon Hagel for both goals, bringing Hagel's playoff total up to 6. The game tying goal came on Tampa's 5th power play opportunity of the night, which had only amounted 4 shots up to that point, an abysmal number. Tampa's go-ahead goal came shortly after the Habs killed Tampa's 5 on 3 chance.

The Lightning will still have to be better on the power play the rest of this series if they want to advance into the next round, but evening this series was a huge deal, especially when Tampa looked done down 2-0 late in the second period.

NOW SERVING ORDER NO. 38 pic.twitter.com/SkugACeZS1

— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 27, 2026

The Habs had one final chance late in the game thanks to a slashing penalty by Nikita Kucherov. But Tampa was able to kill off the power play and hold the 3-2 lead.

Tampa's stars reminded everyone why Tampa has been so good this season, and they will need to continue to make their mark.

Next game Wednesday April 29th @ Benchmark International Arena, time TBD.

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