MONTREAL (AP) — Nikita Kucherov scored at 2:06 of the second overtime to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadians on Friday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Kucherov took a pass in the slot from Valtteri Filppula and beat goalie Carey Price with a wrist shot on the first shot of the period.
Kucherov was involved in a controversial call 3 minutes into the first overtime. His shot on a breakaway was stopped and he bumped into Price as the puck went into the net, although it appeared Price dragged the puck in himself. After review, it was ruled Kucherov interfered with Price.
Tyler Johnson opened the scoring early in the third, and Ben Bishop made 43 saves for the Lightning, coming off a Game 7 victory over Detroit on Wednesday night.
Max Pacioretty tied it with 5:13 left. Price stopped 33 shots for the Canadiens.
Game 2 is Sunday night in Montreal.
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