The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series at the Bell Centre. This matchup promises to be intense, with both teams evenly matched, resulting in a very tight competition.
Lightning’s Injury Update
Defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous is expected to miss the game following an injury sustained in Game 1. He suffered a collision while pursuing a loose puck, resulting in a hit from Montreal forwards Jake Evans and Josh Anderson. D’Astous required assistance to leave the ice and did not return for the rest of the game.
Player Performances
In D’Astous’s absence, Declan Carlile made his NHL postseason debut in Game 2, partnering with Emil Lilleberg and contributing significantly with 17:38 on the ice during the victory. Carlile is anticipated to be a crucial part of the lineup for Game 3. Additionally, team captain Victor Hedman has rejoined the squad and has been seen skating, providing a lift for the Lightning.
Game Atmosphere and Coaching Insights
As the Lightning travel to the Bell Centre, the atmosphere is expected to be electrifying from the start. Both teams will feel the pressure of the playoff environment, which could sway the game’s outcome.
Lightning coach Jon Cooper emphasized the importance of embracing the atmosphere. He highlighted that despite the crowd’s influence, the fundamentals of the game remain unchanged.
Lineups for Game 3
The Lightning’s expected lineup is as follows:
- Gage Goncalves – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov
- Brandon Hagel – Anthony Cirelli – Jake Guentzel
- Zemgus Girgensons – Yanni Gourde – Nick Paul
- Corey Perry – Dominic James – Scott Sabourin
- J.J. Moser – Darren Raddysh
- Ryan McDonagh – Erik Cernak
- Declan Carlile – Emil Lilleberg
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (goalie)
- Jonas Johansson (goalie)
Scratches include Oliver Bjorkstrand, Conor Geekie, Max Crozier, Brandon Halverson, and Victor Hedman. Injured players are Pontus Holmberg and Charle-Edouard D’Astous.
For the Canadiens, the expected roster remains the same as in the previous games. Key players include:
- Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkovsky
- Alexandre Texier – Alex Newhook – Ivan Demidov
- Zachary Bolduc – Oliver Kapanen – Kirby Dach
- Jake Evans – Phillip Danault – Josh Anderson
- Mike Matheson – Alexandre Carrier
- Kaiden Guhle – Lane Hutson
- Jayden Struble – Arber Xhekaj
- Jakub Dobes (goalie)
- Jacob Fowler (goalie)
Scratches for the Canadiens include Brendan Gallagher, Joe Veleno, Adam Engstrom, and David Reinbacher, with injuries to Patrik Laine and Noah Dobson.
The Lightning are prepared for a formidable challenge in Game 3 at the Bell Centre, where they hope to harness the energy of the crowd in their favor.
