WHIZ News
Canadiens fall short in losing Cup Final to Lightning
Dismissed throughout the playoffs, the Montreal Canadiens have seen their stirring run finally come to an end.
Montreal was the last team to clinch a playoff spot, with the worst record of the 16 qualifiers, and became the last team eliminated following a 1-0 loss to the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the final on Wednesday.
Corey Perry knelt in disbelief on one knee. Shea Weber stared off into the distance from the bench.
For all the grit and perseverance the Canadiens displayed in overcoming a 3-1 first-round series deficit to Toronto and their interim coach Dominique Ducharme sent into self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, Montreal came up short against a sturdier and more accomplished opponent.
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
For our new readers and members, the Top Six Minutes is a continuation of the discussion in the game thread. We try to keep it light and entertaining. Full recaps are up the morning after every game.
Pre-game
All I have to say is.
This is crazy pants that we’re about to watch Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. Can you believe the Habs made it this far?!
I would love nothing more than Tampa’s Mayor’s plans to backfire.
I am totally taking Corey Perry’s advice and I’m going to have fun.
Lightning blank Canadiens to win second straight Cup
Field Level Media
08 Jul 2021, 13:19 GMT+10
Ross Colton scored a second-period goal and Andrei Vasilevskiy concluded another series with a shutout win as the Tampa Bay Lightning clinched their second consecutive Stanley Cup title, beating the visiting Montreal Canadiens 1-0 on Wednesday.
The Lightning, who claimed their third championship in franchise history, won the best-of-seven Final series in five games. Tampa Bay won its first title in 2004.
Vasilevskiy made 22 saves for his fifth shutout in this year s title run and the sixth of his career in the postseason. The 26-year-old Russian recorded a shutout in all four series-clinching victories this year, and he has blanked the opposition in five consecutive series clinchers dating back to last year s Cup-winning finale against the Dallas Stars.
PHOTO PHELAN EBENHACK, AP
Le Canadien s’est incliné en cinq matchs face au Lightning de Tampa Bay en finale de la Coupe Stanley Alexandre Pratt La Presse
Rangez vos chaises pliantes. Le défilé de la Coupe Stanley n’aura pas lieu dans les rues de Montréal, mais dans celles de Tampa. Publié le 7 juillet 2021 à 23h13 ✓ Lien copié
Est-ce triste?
Bien sûr. Avec bientôt 32 équipes dans la Ligue nationale, le Canadien n’aura peut-être pas de plus belle occasion de remporter le championnat avant longtemps. Ceci dit, perdre contre les champions en titre est loin d’être un résultat déshonorant. Au contraire.
Savard no longer only Lightning player without ring
David Savard is no longer the only veteran on the Tampa Bay Lightning without a Stanley Cup championship. The grizzled defenseman joined in the celebration Wednesday night after the Lightning won its second consecutive championship.
The Canadian Press Eric Staal and David Savard , The Canadian Press
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) David Savard is no longer the only veteran on the Tampa Bay Lightning without a Stanley Cup championship.
The grizzled defenseman, who had never advanced past the second round in his first nine NHL seasons, joined in the celebration Wednesday night after the Lightning won its second consecutive championship with a 1-0 win over Montreal in Game 5.