Canadiens lead series after Game 5 win

In Game Five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Montreal Canadiens edged out the Tampa Bay Lightning with a score of 3-2 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, on April 29, 2026.

Brendan Gallagher opened the scoring for Montreal just three minutes into the game, netting a rebound off an Alex Newhook shot. The Lightning responded with Dominic James scoring his first NHL playoff goal, tying the game at one.

However, Kirby Dach quickly reclaimed the lead for Montreal, scoring just 11 seconds after James' goal. Jake Guentzel equalized for Tampa late in the second period, but Alexandre Texier's goal early in the third period proved to be the game-winner.

Jakub Dobes, the Canadiens' goaltender, made 38 saves, including 17 in the third period alone, to help secure the win. The Lightning struggled to capitalize on their power-play opportunities, failing to score on their chances, while Montreal managed to control play effectively.

The loss puts the Lightning on the brink of elimination as the series heads back to Montreal for Game Six on Friday. Notably, Nick Paul was a late scratch due to illness, and the Lightning struggled in the face-off circle, with Anthony Cirelli being the only forward to have a winning percentage, going 9-for-18.

Meanwhile, Gallagher's return to the lineup marked a significant boost for Montreal, as he replaced Oliver Kapanen and contributed to the team's offensive efforts.