Canadiens’ Jakub Dobes smothers Lightning offense to win Game 7

The Montreal Canadiens couldn’t close out Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. But they still had a chance to eliminate Tampa in Game 7 with a win on the road. It certainly wasn’t easy, but the Habs were able to claim a win in Game 7 to advance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Goaltender Jakub Dobes stole the show on Sunday night. He stood on his head all night long, making 28 saves against the Lightning. Nick Suzuki scored to aid in the effort, but Dobes’s dominance led to the 2-1 win on Sunday.

The Canadiens will certainly not apologize for the victory in Game 7. But it was also not their best performance in the slightest. Montreal managed little offensive zone pressure in this game. In fact, they didn’t record a single shot on goal in the second period.

However, they remained in the game thanks to Dobes. He routinely handled pressure from the Lightning in Game 7. The one goal he did allow came on the strength of a deflection from Dominic James.

The dagger for Montreal came midway through the third period. Alex Newhook skated behind the net, chasing a loose puck. He batted at the puck from his backhand, and it somehow ended up behind Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy.

No matter how ugly the Canadiens won on Sunday, the important thing is that they won. And they are now headed to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Montreal will take on the Buffalo Sabres, who defeated the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The post Canadiens’ Jakub Dobes smothers Lightning offense to win Game 7 appeared first on ClutchPoints.