What led Kirby Dach to leave social media after Montreal Canadiens’ playoff setback

It looked like a perfect chance for the Montreal Canadiens to return home with a strong 2-0 series advantage over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Instead, Game 2 ended in disappointment — and for Kirby Dach, the fallout extended far beyond the ice.

The forward became the focal point of criticism after a costly sequence in overtime played a major role in Tampa Bay’s equalising goal. By the following morning, it emerged that Dach had deactivated his Instagram account, highlighting the level of backlash he faced after the defeat.

Heading into overtime, Montreal had delivered a solid performance under head coach Martin St. Louis, matching their opponents’ physical intensity and appearing well in control. However, the game turned in a crucial moment when Dach failed to clear the puck, resulting in an icing call. This forced the Canadiens into a defensive-zone faceoff while fatigued, putting them immediately under pressure.

From there, the situation quickly deteriorated, ultimately leading to the decisive goal that tied the series — a moment that not only shifted momentum in the matchup but also sparked heavy scrutiny toward Dach following the final whistle.