The Montreal Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night, in a preview of a potential first-round matchup between two clubs who aren't shy about displaying their hatred for each other.
Amid fighting, scrimmages and ugly play, Habs sniper Cole Caufield scored his 50th goal of the year, power forward Juraj Slafkowski scored his 30th goal, and the Canadiens picked up a very important 2–1 win against the Bolts.
Let's look at the highlights!
To assault
All things considered, this was a low-incident first period. More than half the frame was played at 5v5, meaning there were very few scoring opportunities due to the glut of power plays. It was akin to a pair of heavyweight boxers feeling each other out in the first round of a championship bout.
Or, perhaps more accurately, the first round of backyard fights, the kind that ended up on VHS sold in bootleg markets in the 1990s.
Either way, the first period represented the calm before the proverbial Darud sandstorm.
half century
The second period featured less than eight minutes of play, but it was enough for Caufield to find the net for the 50th time this season.
It should be noted that Caufield's 50 goals did not include a single empty-net marker. In fact, Caufield hasn't added to his career total with a single empty-net goal, but I digress.
Appropriately, Slafkowski and Nick Suzuki provided assists in the scoring game.
Cole Caufield is a 50-goal scorer 🚨🔥 pic.twitter.com/WXR9G2TFyF
- Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) 10 April 2026
throwing haymakers
Even before the violence took center stage, it was quite clear that Habs and the Bolts didn't need much of a boost in the physical department. The teams battled each other all night, a common occurrence whenever an NHL team faces a Florida-based club.
Montreal did a good job of controlling the scoring plays, not to mention responding to Tampa's classic, yet frustrating playing style.
It was Josh Anderson who ultimately provided the spark needed to ignite the fire.
The moves between the Habs and Lightning began with Anderson and D'Astas. #GoHabsGo #gobolts pic.twitter.com/fuAnomkidu
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 10 April 2026
Whenever Nikita Kucherov was on the ice, the Lightning paid particular attention to Andersen's physicality, leading to a one-sided battle between the Canadiens forward and Declan Carlyle.
"I immediately regret this decision!" - Carlyle after chasing Anderson to fight. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/bCbRjR1nRA
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 10 April 2026
Change of pace late in the game
Once the players settled down a bit and the inefficient power play gave way to 5v5 hockey, the Bolts took advantage of the moment and tied the game in the final minutes of the third period.
Luckily for the Habs, Slafkovsky was quick to respond, scoring his 30th goal of the season and becoming the first Slovak to reach 30 goals since Marian Hossa in 2013–14.
Juraj Slafkowski has 30 goals! He is the first Slovak to reach 30 since Marian Hossa in 2013–14.
gives his goal #GoHabsGo A significant lead of 2-1. pic.twitter.com/rVovUhE8mV
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 10 April 2026
The Montreal Canadiens will be back in action on Saturday when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Bell Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm ET.
All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.
