Montreal

Hours before puck drop, the energy built across the city, from fully booked sports bars to families making their way downtown for the decisive final playoffs match between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

21,000 fans packed the Bell Centre as the Habs take on the Lightning in winner-take-all game

· The Canadian Press

· Posted: May 03, 2026 2:11 PM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours ago

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Montreal is bracing for a defining night of hockey, and for many fans, Game 7 of the Canadiens' playoff series is as much about ritual and memory as it is about the score.

Hours before puck drop, the energy is already building across the city, from fully booked sports bars to families making their way downtown for the winner-take-all playoff game between the Montreal Canadiens…