Slafkovsky, 22, Makes History in Canadiens' Playoff Win

A first overall draft pick just made NHL history in the most spectacular way possible.

Juraj Slafkovsky scored three power-play goals, including the overtime winner, to lead the Montreal Canadiens past the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Sunday night. At 22 years old, he became the youngest player in NHL history to record a hat trick in a postseason opener, edging out Wayne Gretzky who did it at the same age in 1983.

The game-winning goal came just 1:22 into overtime when Slafkovsky fired a slap shot from the left circle past Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. "I kind of saw some open space there," Slafkovsky said after the game. "I decided to shoot it, and thankfully, it went in."

The Slovak forward also made history as the first NHL player ever to score three power-play goals in a single playoff game with one being an overtime winner. He's the 22nd different Canadiens player to record a playoff hat trick, joining legends in one of hockey's most storied franchises.

Slafkovsky was the first overall pick in the 2022 draft, and his development has been remarkable to watch. "It's been unbelievable, honestly," teammate Josh Anderson said. "This year, he obviously took a huge stride. He's a power forward, a big guy, and it's just hard to stop him."

The victory was especially sweet for Montreal, which hasn't won a playoff series since Tampa Bay beat them in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. The Canadiens are chasing their first championship since 1993, when they won their NHL-record 24th title.

Why This Inspires

Slafkovsky's journey shows what happens when young talent meets big moments. Just four years removed from being a teenager, he delivered when the pressure was highest against one of the league's most decorated franchises.

His calm demeanor after making history speaks volumes about his maturity. While celebrating the win, Slafkovsky kept his team focused on what's ahead. "We're all happy, but we still have to focus," he said. "We have a game in two days."

Rookie goalie Jakub Dobes made 20 saves in his first playoff overtime game, showing Montreal's young core is ready to compete. The Canadiens entered the series as massive underdogs against a Lightning team that reached three straight Stanley Cup Finals from 2020 to 2022.

Now Montreal heads into Game 2 on Tuesday with momentum and proof that their young stars can shine on hockey's biggest stage.