Hutson the hero as Montreal Canadiens take series lead in overtime of Game 3 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Overtime only lasted 2:09 before Lane Hutson scored the game winning goal for the Montreal Canadiens. They took Game 3 from the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2.

Hutson took the shot from afar on the right side of the net as chaos was unfolding right in front. Alexandre Texier and Zack Buldoc got the assists.

The Canadiens now hold a 2-1 series lead. All three games have reached overtime.

The first two games took place in Florida and were split evenly. Montreal won Game 1 4-3, and Tampa Bay took the next contest 3-2. Hutson's winner in Friday's contest was his second goal of the series.

More:Utah Mammoth allow fans to trade in Golden Knights jersey in exchange for a Mammoth jersey

Montreal struck first when Texier netted one about five minutes into the game. Brayden Point tied it a few minutes later.

Brandon Hagel then scored his fourth goal of the series to take the lead in the second period. He's scored in each game of the series. Kirby Dach tied it for Montreal about halfway into the game.

Montreal won the shot battle 29-17. They laid a few more hits but did have two more penalty minutes than the Lightning.

If the Canadiens can win two more, it will be their first postseason series win since 2021 when they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Game 4 will take place Sunday at 7 p.m. EDT in Montreal. The home fans have a chance to see their team off to Tampa Bay with a 3-1 series lead. The next games should be as exciting as the first three.

NHL games on TV today: Full schedule, times, TV channels, live streams to watch 2026 hockey playoffs

5 NHL teams that could sign Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky in free agency

NHL Conn Smythe Trophy rankings: Early look at the top 5 candidates

Steve Yzerman's job with the Red Wings appears safe, but for how long?