Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) celebrates his goal against Tampa Bay during the first period of Game 5 of the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in Tampa.

Luis Santana / Tampa Bay Times

Welcome back to the daily Hockey Inside/Out newsletter, where the Montreal Canadiens have pushed the Tampa Bay Lightning to the brink of elimination. The Habs can punch a ticket to the second round of the playoffs with a win on Friday in Game 6 at the Bell Centre.

Cowan: Brendan Gallagher carries torch for Canadiens in Game 5 win over Tampa

"There’s nothing like it. That’s why we play. It’s never going to be easy. Obviously, you’re tasked with different challenges throughout your career. It was just nice to be back in the lineup and find a way to contribute."

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Canadiens fans Klara Kolstad, left, Philippe Deschatelets and Rhiannon Hill celebrate their team’s victory in Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Champs bar in Montreal on Wednesday night.

John Mahoney/Montreal Gazette

What the Puck: Fans feed off Canadiens’ energy as playoff fever grips Montreal

"My heart was in my throat. We were all there holding the table. I could’ve broken a glass in my hand. But they played an amazing game. They do everything for the city. They want to win for the fan base. They care about the fans more than any other franchise in hockey."

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Here's the schedule for Round 1

Apr. 19: Juraj Slafkovsky scored the OT winner to secure a 4-3 Game 1 win for the Montreal Canadiens over the Tampa Bay Lightning (Hidden Game, About Last Night)

Apr. 21: The Lightning tied the series, handing the Canadiens a 3-2 overtime loss in Game 2 (Hidden Game, About Last Night)

Apr. 24: Lane Hutson was the hero for the Canadiens in their 3-2 overtime win in Game 3 over the Lightning (Hidden Game, About Last Night)

Apr. 26: Brandon Hagel scored twice for the Lightning to tie the series in a 3-2 loss in Game 4 for the Canadiens (Hidden Game, About Last Night)

Apr. 29: Jakub Dobes stopped 38 shots as the Canadiens grabbed a 3-2 series lead with a 3-2 win in Game 5 over the Lightning (Hidden Game, About Last Night)

May 1: Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens, Game 6, TBD

May 3: Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning, Game 7, TBD

Where to watch every Habs game on TV

The PWHL

Here's the Victoire's playoff schedule

May 2: Minnesota Frost at Montreal Victoire (2 p.m., Prime)

May 5: Minnesota Frost at Montreal Victoire (7 p.m., Prime)

Remainder of series TBD

Where to watch every Victoire game on TV

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