(Tampa) The Montreal Canadiens are looking to avoid a third straight loss on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After 20 minutes of play, the 0-0 deadlock remained.
Cole Caufield took advantage of an excellent chance to score in the first half of the first period when David Savard served him a cross-ice pass through the slot. Jonas Johansson, however, made a shield save.
Nicholas Paul had the best chance during the only power play in the first period.
Samuel Montembeault stopped four pucks in the first twenty minutes of play. At the other end of the ice, Johansson was tested 10 times.
Due to an injury to Christian Dvorak, Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis opted for a lineup with 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Johnathan Kovacevic was back in the defensive squad.
Lightning captain Steve Stamkos was playing in his 1038th game with the Lightning. He overtook Quebecer Vincent Lecavalier (1037) at the top of the club’s history for games played in the regular season.
The Blue-White-Rouge will end its seven-game road streak by visiting the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.