Lightning-Canadiens Series: Penalties Swing Momentum

0:00On April 27th, after four games in the Lightning Canadian series, both teams lead the NHL with 32 minor penalties each, and they've combined. For nine powerplay goals out of just 22 total scores, Game 4 saw 17 penalties called 11 for Stick Fows with refs Brandon Blandina and Wes McCauley under fire for a questionable. High-sticking call of Montreal's Oliver Kaepernin that didn't seem to connect, letting Tampa tie it up at 2-2 on the powerplay. Montreal coach Martin St. Louis admitted his team lack composure, especially when leading, while players like Mike Matheson question the penalty. Standard against the veteran lightning squad, known for drawing calls. Tampa's Brandon Hagle is shining with the playoff leading six goals, including two in Game 4, helping the bolts head home with the series tied. 22 after capitalizing on entire Canadians' legs late. Meanwhile, Tampa led the league in penalty minutes during the regular season, so refs calling everything tight has swung momentum, but everyone agrees.

1:04Officials shouldn't decide these tight playoff battles. That's the story for today, NHL News Today, driven by AI.