How One Strong Canadiens Line Helped Win Game 3

The Montréal Canadiens now have a 2–1 series lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning in their opening Stanley Cup series. Game 3 was a wild one, and the third line basically did the heavy lifting. Alex Texier opened the scoring early, Kirby Dach tied it up after, and then, in OT, Lane Hutson finished it off with a beauty. The goal was set up by Texier, Bolduc, and Dach. The final 3–2 score favoured the Habs. Texier had a goal and an assist, Bolduc two assists, Dach a goal and an assist—they combined for two goals and six points. Small sample, sure, but tonight that trio looked like the best line on the ice.

Three reasons this Canadiens line made the difference.

Reason One: The Canadiens’ third line brought energy + physicality.

They brought hustle. Texier and Dach mixed hits with puck battles, created chaos in the Lightning zone, and forced turnovers. That game tempo rubbed off on the rest of the team and helped tilt odd-man chances Montreal’s way.

Reason Two: The line played simple, effective hockey, with superb playmaking.

None of the hockey was cute or flashy. The third line made clean passes, quick reads, and the kind of little plays that lead to goals. Bolduc found pockets, Texier finished and set up, Dach did the dirty work and chipped in points. When they keep plays simple, they’re dangerous.

Reason Three: The Canadiens third line won their matchups, and the chemistry was magic.

They matched up well against Tampa’s middle of the lineup and didn’t try to overdo it. The trio clicked tonight—chemistry mattered more than star power. That balance of size (Dach), snarl (Texier), and playmaking (Zach Bolduc) created a combo the Bolts had trouble dealing with.

What’s next for the Canadiens?

The short story for the Canadiens was that the third line = game-winner. Hutson’s overtime goal was the highlight, but Texier/Bolduc/Dach set the table. Montreal stole momentum and showed they can get production from unexpected places.

What happens next? Can the Canadiens take a 3–1 lead at home? That’s totally possible. This team’s young, scrappy, and if that third line keeps bringing the same effort, Montreal could put a real stranglehold on Tampa’s series. Tampa’s not dead. However, the Habs now have leverage. If they protect home ice and keep getting contributions from depth players like this, a 3–1 lead is very much in play.