Canadiens overcome Lightning rally to complete series sweep

Max Pacioretty scored a power-play goal with 42 seconds remaining in regulation to snap a tie and give the Montreal Canadiens a 4-3 victory in Game 4 on Tuesday to complete their first-round sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Montreal chased Lightning starting goaltender Anders Lindback from the net with three goals on 20 shots. Tampa Bay trailed 3-1 to start the third period but scored twice in the opening 6:31 to knot the contest at 3-3.

Star Performer

Lightning backup netminder Kristers Gudlevskis replaced Lindback after Brendan Gallagher scored Montreal's third goal of the game at 5:42 of the second period and turned aside 16-of-17 shots to give his team a chance. Tampa Bay responded with goals from Victor Hedman and Tyler Johnson, and Gudlevskis remained solid until Pacioretty's man-advantage marker.

Turning Point

Tampa Bay forward Cedric Paquette was whistled for the only penalty of the final 20 minutes. Paquette was called for tripping Francis Bouillon at 17:49 of the third period, giving the Canadiens their second power play of the game and opening the door for Pacioretty's winner.

Highlight Reel

Montreal's first power play was not nearly as successful. With Steven Stamkos in the box for hooking Alexei Emelin, Ondrej Palat pounced on an egregious giveaway by Emelin and eventually stuffed the puck in on a wraparound attempt.

Palat finished with a game-high two points (one goal, one assist) after also scoring in Game 3.

Lars Eller collected a neutral zone turnover late in the first period and blasted a slap shot through Lindback for Montreal's second goal.

Stamkos lost his temper when he was called for hooking Emelin and he responded by giving Emelin a couple of gloved punches before heading to the penalty box.

Quote of the night

Series at a glance

Game 1 Recap: Canadiens 5, Lightning 4 (OT)
Game 2 Recap: Canadiens 4, Lightning 1
Game 3 Recap: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2