NHL Stanley Cup Playoff podcast Mary Lisa: Canadiens go up 2-1 edge Lightning 3-2 at the Belle Centre; Mammoth taking care of business in 4-2 win over Knights; plus more NHL news

Montreal Canadiens Kirby Dach (77) is thrilled after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) during overtime in game three of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Belle Centre in Montreal (Canadian Press via AP)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoff podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 Montreal Canadiens Lane Hutson scored in overtime on a slap shot to help the Canadiens defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 Friday night at the Belle Centre in Montreal to improve to a 2-1 series lead in the first round of the series.

#2 Hutson took his shot from the top right circle that went through a group of players and got in the left corner of the net behind goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. It was a crucial goal as the Canadiens won by just one goal.

#3 Utah Mammoth Lawson Crouse scored two goals in just a 5:42 span in the second period as the Mammoth took a 2-1 series lead beating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 Friday night at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

#4 The Mammoth won Tuesday night 3-2 to tie the series after the Knights won game one in Vegas on Sunday. The series has been tight and the Mammoth have made an impressive come back since losing game one.

#5 The Anaheim Ducks took care of business crushing the Edmonton Oilers in three 7-4 on Friday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson scored goals within 42 second of the third period. Mikael Granlund scored a goal and picked up two assists. The win was Anaheim’s first post season win in eight years.

Join Mary Lisa for the NHL Playoff podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez: Will Lightning be a test for Sharks Saturday?

Macklin Celebrini center (71) for the San Jose Sharks skates off the ice after scoring a shootout goal against the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center on Thu Jan 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Lincoln Juarez:

Can Macklin Celebrini continue his recent high-octane offense and challenge Tampa Bay’s defense right from the opening puck drop?
(The young Sharks star leads the team in scoring and has been a standout all season.)

How will Tyler Toffoli’s scoring touch impact the Sharks in Saturday’s matchup, especially considering his clutch goal in the last season Sharks win over the Lightning?
(Toffoli scored and helped San Jose snap its skid the last time these clubs met.)

Will Yaroslav Askarov’s netminding be a key factor, particularly if the Lightning come out firing early?
(Askarov made 24 saves in their prior meeting and could again be pivotal.)

Can Collin Graf make noise offensively again and continue to grow chemistry with Celebrini and Will Smith on that forward line?
(Graf has been working with San Jose’s up-and-coming core upfront.)

What defensive adjustments will Mario Ferraro and the Sharks blueline need to contain Tampa Bay’s transition game?
(Defense and gap control will be tested against a fast Lightning squad.)

Join Lincoln Juarez for the San Jose Sharks podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com