Alex Newhook's Game 7 Goal Sends Canadiens Past Lightning to Round 2

Alex Newhook, a former Victoria Grizzlies captain, scored the overtime-winning goal for the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of their opening‑round NHL playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on May 3, 2026. The goal came after a Lane Hutson shot rebounded off the glass, and Newhook swatted the puck into the net, giving Montreal a 2‑1 victory and eliminating the three‑time Stanley Cup champions.

Newhook, a 25‑year‑old from St. John’s, N.L., was drafted 16th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2019, won a Stanley Cup with them in 2022, and joined Montreal in 2023. He said after the game, “A little blackout out there… it’s fun, it’s kind of what you dream of when you’re younger, big moments, Game 7.” Montreal now remains the lone Canadian team in the playoffs and will face the Buffalo Sabres in Round 2, with Game 1 scheduled for May 6.