Stanley Cup Playoffs: Tampa Bay Lightning Finally Close out Montreal Canadiens

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The third time's the charm for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Snuffed out in two attempts to close out their Eastern Conference second-round series, the Lightning limited Montreal to 19 shots in a convincing 4-1 triumph over the Canadiens in Game 6.

Nikita Kucherov put Tampa Bay ahead to stay in the first period and iced the victory with an empty-netter. Kucherov also assisted on Ondrej Palat's power-play goal, which put the Lightning ahead 3-0 late in the second period.

Steven Stamkos also scored and Ben Bishop blanked the Habs until Max Pacioretty beat him with just 4:59 remaining.

Tampa Bay will face the New York Rangers or Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference finals. The Lightning will have home-ice advantage if they take on the Caps.

Montreal's Stanley Cup drought will enter its 23rd season, extending a franchise record.

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