Canadiens vs. Lightning game recap: Not good enough

Looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Montreal Canadiens headed into Amalie Arena to take on the league-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Lightning quickly took advantage of a slow-starting Canadiens squad to ramp up their shot count in the opening minutes of the first. If not for Carey Price’s spectacular performance early on, the Canadiens could have easily found themselves down a goal or two in the opening minutes.

Tampa Bay’s dominance forced Montreal on their heels, culminating in Tomas Plekanec being sent off for a holding penalty just under five minutes into the frame. The Canadiens were able to successfully withstand the Lightning’s barrage…