Canadiens Vs. Lightning Recap: New-Look Bolts Win Chippy 2-1 Game Over Montreal

One day after overhauling the roster trades targeted at bolstering their defense, the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 at Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Bolts were out-shot by two but the Mathieu Garon stopped 23 of 24 shots sent his way. David Desharnais scored the Habs only goal with just four minutes remaining in the first period and that would be it for Montreal in a chippy hard-fought one goal win for the Bolts.

Steven Stamkos notched his league-leading 44th goal of the season to open the scoring nine minutes into the first period. Stamkos took an assist from Teddy Purcell and beat fellow All-Star Carey Price. Desharnais would even at the end of the first but it would stay that way only 30 seconds into the second period as Adam Hall scored his second goal of the season. Hall's marker would be all the Bolts needed as they improved to 29-28-6. Tampa Bay will now have two days off before the Eastern Conference-leading New York Rangers visit on Friday night.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Lightning, visit Raw Charge, SB Nation's Tampa Bay Bolts blog. For the opponent's perspective, visit Habs Eye On The Prize, SB Nation's Canadiens blog. For all your NHL news as the playoffs approach, check out SB Nation's hockey hub.

Lightning Vs. Montreal: Revamped Bolts Hope For Better Defensive Results

One day after having their defense overhauled, the Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Montreal Canadiens in the Forum.