Lightning Look to Finally Solve Canadiens Before 4 Nations Break

The Tampa Bay Lightning will close out their schedule before the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament with a road clash against the Montreal Canadiens on Super Bowl Sunday. This is the third and final meeting between the Atlantic Division rivals, and so far, the Canadiens have dominated the season series.

Montreal secured a 5-2 win on Dec. 29 in Tampa and followed it up with a 3-2 victory on Jan. 21 at home. Can the Lightning finally break through and end their skid against the Habs?

Brandon Hagel Staying Hot for Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay winger Brandon Hagel has been on fire lately, racking up six goals in his past five games. He found the net twice in Saturday’s 6-3 win over Detroit, helping the Lightning snap the Red Wings’ seven-game winning streak.

Hagel, who now has 26 goals this season, will also represent Team Canada in the upcoming 4 Nations tournament under Lightning coach Jon Cooper.

The chemistry between Hagel and Anthony Cirelli has been a major boost for Tampa Bay, and they’ll look to continue their strong play against Montreal.

Brayden Point Hits the 30-Goal Mark

Star forward Brayden Point also reached a major milestone in Detroit, notching his 30th goal of the season. This marks his third consecutive 30-goal campaign and the fifth of his career.

Meanwhile, rookie Dylan Duke made his NHL debut on Saturday and scored his first career goal. The former Michigan Wolverines forward will try to keep his momentum going against Montreal.

Montreal’s Recent Struggles

The Canadiens were riding high after their Jan. 21 win over the Lightning, a game where Jake Evans netted the game-winner. But since then, Montreal has gone 1-6-1, including a 4-0 shutout loss to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.

Despite their recent slide, the Canadiens were in the wild-card conversation after picking up points in eight of nine games (7-1-1), beginning with a 2-1 win in Colorado on Jan. 4.

Coach Martin St. Louis, however, isn’t getting caught up in playoff talk just yet.

Canadiens Players Set for 4 Nations Face-Off

Three Montreal players will represent their countries in the 4 Nations tournament:

• Goalie Sam Montembeault (Team Canada)
• Winger Patrik Laine (Team Finland)
• Winger Joel Armia (Team Finland)

Montembeault, who allowed four goals on 22 shots against New Jersey, has struggled lately, dropping four of his past five starts. His season record stands at 18-20-3 with three shutouts in 41 games.

Game Outlook: Key Factors

Tampa Bay Lightning (30-18-5, 65 points)

• Hagel on fire with six goals in five games
• Point reaches 30-goal mark for third straight season
• Lightning are 23-1-1 when leading after two periods
• Looking for first win against Montreal this season

Montreal Canadiens (22-25-8, 52 points)

• 1-6-1 in their last eight games
• Scored just two goals in past two games
• Jake Evans has two game-winners vs. Lightning this season
• Struggling defense, allowing 15 goals in last four games

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Can the Lightning Finally Break Through?

Tampa Bay has yet to beat Montreal this season, but with Hagel, Point, and Cirelli rolling, they have a golden opportunity to end their losing streak before the 4 Nations break.

The Canadiens, meanwhile, desperately need a win to avoid falling further behind in the playoff chase. Can Montembeault bounce back, or will the Lightning’s firepower be too much?

All eyes will be on Super Bowl Sunday’s NHL finale to find out.