Canadiens Outlast Lightning in Game 7 Despite Historically Low Shot Total

Key facts

• Montreal Canadiens defeated Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 7 of their first-round series.
• The Canadiens recorded the lowest shot total by a winning team in NHL playoff history.
• Jake Allen made 22 saves for the Cavaliers in their 114-102 Game 7 win over the Raptors.
• Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris led the Pistons to their first playoff series win in 18 years.
• Cale Makar returned from injury and scored twice as the Avalanche beat the Wild 9-6 in Game 1.
• Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby, with jockey Jose Ortiz coming from last to pass his brother Irad.
• Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner.
• John Sterling, iconic Yankees broadcaster, died at age 87.

A Game 7 for the Ages

The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series, advancing to face the Buffalo Sabres. The victory was historic not for its dominance but for its scarcity of offense: Montreal recorded the lowest shot total by a winning team in NHL playoff history. The Canadiens managed just 12 shots on goal, yet their defensive discipline and timely scoring proved enough to topple the defending champions. The Lightning, who had won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021, were eliminated in the first round for the first time since 2019.

Historic Shot Total and Series Implications

Montreal's shot total of 12 is the fewest ever by a team winning a playoff game, surpassing the previous record of 14 set by the Minnesota Wild in 2003. The Canadiens' victory sets up a second-round matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, who advanced after defeating the New York Rangers in six games. The series was a defensive battle throughout, with both teams averaging under three goals per game. Montreal goaltender Jake Allen stopped 22 of 23 shots in Game 7, while Lightning netminder Andrei Vasilevskiy made 10 saves on 12 shots.

Other Playoff Highlights: Cavaliers, Pistons, Avalanche

In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 114-102 in Game 7, with Jake Allen tying his playoff career high with 22 points. The Cavaliers advanced to face the Boston Celtics in the second round. The Detroit Pistons completed a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit to beat the Orlando Magic, winning Game 7 behind Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris. It was the Pistons' first playoff series win in 18 years, since their 2004 championship run. In the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche outlasted the Minnesota Wild 9-6 in a wild Game 1 that ranks among the highest-scoring playoff games in league history. Cale Makar, returning from injury, scored twice for the Avalanche.

Kentucky Derby: Golden Tempo and Cherie DeVaux Make History

Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby in a stunning last-to-first performance, with jockey Jose Ortiz passing his brother Irad Ortiz in the stretch. The victory made Golden Tempo the first horse to win from the 20th post position since 1929. Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner, a milestone for the sport. The race was the most-watched Kentucky Derby on record, Always A Runner won the Kentucky Oaks.

Baseball and Other Sports News

John Sterling, the iconic radio voice of the New York Yankees for 36 years, died at age 87. The baseball world mourned the loss of the broadcaster known for his signature home run calls. In other MLB news, the Yankees have a potential path to trading for Mike Trout, according to reports. The Mets were hurt by a bizarre glove-toss out that might not have been an out against the Angels. The Red Sox received worse news on Ranger Suarez's injury update.

NFL Draft and Offseason Storylines

The NFL Draft documentary revealed that the Dallas Cowboys made a trade offer to the Cleveland Browns. The Buffalo Bills received a brutal grade for their draft haul, with questions surrounding general manager Brandon Beane's strategy. The Baltimore Ravens were handed a so-so grade by analysts. Matt Rhule channelled his inner Bert Sugar with his Kentucky Derby outfit, while Lane Kiffin faced criticism for wanting to turn back the clock on college football. The Big Ten could enter a golden era for NFL Draft quarterbacks, according to analysts.

Looking Ahead: Playoff and Championship Implications

The Canadiens' victory over the Lightning reshapes the Eastern Conference playoff picture, with Montreal now facing a Sabres team that has exceeded expectations. The Avalanche-Wild series promises more scoring fireworks after Game 1's 15-goal outburst. In the NBA, the Cavaliers and Pistons continue their playoff runs, while the Nuggets are reportedly taking trade calls on any player except Nikola Jokić. The Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani is mired in his longest hitting slump since 2022. The Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will be pointed toward the Preakness Stakes in two weeks, with Cherie DeVaux aiming to become the first woman to train a Triple Crown winner.

The bottom line

• Montreal Canadiens win Game 7 with record-low 12 shots, advance to face Buffalo Sabres.
• Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons win Game 7s to advance in NBA playoffs.
• Cale Makar returns from injury, scores twice in Avalanche's 9-6 Game 1 win over Wild.
• Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby from last to first; Cherie DeVaux first female trainer to win.
• John Sterling, legendary Yankees broadcaster, dies at 87.
• NFL Draft grades vary widely; Bills receive harsh criticism for their draft strategy.