Carolina edges Montreal in overtime, takes lead in NHL Eastern Conference Final
The Hurricanes defeated the Canadiens 3-2 in Game 3 of the series. Andrei Svechnikov scored the game-winner at 74:00, giving Carolina a 2-1 series lead.
NHL. Carolina beats Montreal again in overtime, takes lead in Eastern Final
Date: May 26, 2026
Tournament: NHL, Stanley Cup, Eastern Conference Final (Round 3)
Score: Montreal Canadiens — Carolina Hurricanes — 2:3 OT (series: 1-2 Carolina)
Main Event
On the night of May 26, 2026, Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes took place at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Like the previous game, this one went to overtime, and once again luck favored the visitors. The game-winning goal came at 74:00 (14:06 of overtime) from Hurricanes Russian forward Andrei Svechnikov, giving Carolina a 2-1 series lead.
Thus, Carolina not only took the series lead but also confirmed their status as one of the most clutch teams in this playoff run — the Hurricanes have won all four overtime games they've played this postseason. For Montreal, this loss was a serious blow: Martin St. Louis' team missed a chance to solidify their lead on home ice.
Details and Statistics
Game 3 was eventful from the first minutes. Carolina, as in Game 2, opened the scoring. At 9:00 of the first period, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, left all alone in the slot, calmly buried the chance to put his team ahead 1-0.
Montreal responded quickly. At 16:00, the tandem of Russian rookie Ivan Demidov and Mike Matheson worked perfectly: Demidov fed a precise pass from behind the net for a one-timer, and Matheson fired the puck under the crossbar to tie the game 1-1. However, the home team's joy lasted less than a minute — at 17:00, Carolina veteran Taylor Hall jammed the puck home in the crease to put the visitors ahead again. The first period ended 2-1 for the Hurricanes.
In the second period, Montreal showed character. At 5:00, Lane Hutson scored on the power play with a precise shot to tie the game 2-2. The home team even thought they had taken the lead later in the period: Noah Dobson scored, but after a video review, the goal was disallowed due to offside.
The third period and overtime were a tight tactical battle. Carolina once again displayed their trademark defensive game, while Montreal shifted into a waiting mode. The game was decided by a precise shot from Andrei Svechnikov. At 14:00 of overtime, Sebastian Aho set a perfect screen in front of Jakub Dobeš's net, and Svechnikov beat the goalie with a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle. Initially, the goal was credited to Aho, but later it was changed to the Russian forward.
Key stats:
- Shots on goal: Montreal — 13, Carolina — 38.
- Goalies: Frederik Andersen (Carolina) stopped 10 of 12 shots; Jakub Dobeš (Montreal) made 35 saves on 38 shots.
- Power play: Montreal — 1 for 4 (Hutson goal), Carolina — 0 for 3.
Context and Significance
This win continued Carolina's impressive playoff run. The Hurricanes have won 9 of 10 postseason games, with their only loss coming in Game 1 of the conference final against Montreal (2-6). Moreover, Rod Brind'Amour's team feels even more confident on the road than at home — Carolina is undefeated away from home this postseason, with four wins.
For Andrei Svechnikov, this goal was the first overtime playoff goal of his career. Given his 8-year, $62 million contract ($7.75 million AAV), these are exactly the kind of goals Carolina expects from the Russian forward. Svechnikov now has 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) in 11 games this postseason.
Montreal, meanwhile, finds itself in a tough spot. With a massive shot disparity (38-13 against), the Canadiens' chances of winning were slim. Martin St. Louis' team, which had won two Game 7s earlier in the playoffs and was considered a "phoenix team," is trailing in a series for the first time this postseason.
What's Next / Game 4 Preview
The series is now 2-1 in favor of Carolina, and the battle for a spot in the Stanley Cup Final continues. Game 4 will again be in Montreal on the night of May 27-28, 2026 (Moscow time).
Editor's prediction:
Carolina entered Game 3 with a perfect game plan, outshooting their opponent nearly three to one. The Hurricanes' tactical dominance is clear: they control the neutral zone, prevent Montreal from generating rush attacks, and create chances from the slot. Our prediction is a Carolina win in Game 4 as well. Montreal goalie Jakub Dobeš continues to stand on his head, but 35-40 saves per game is not a winning strategy over a series. If Canadiens leaders like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki can't find a way to break through Carolina's defense, the series could end in five games. The key factor will be the first goal: if Carolina scores first again, the psychological advantage will be entirely theirs.
— Editorial Team
