On Sunday night, one game will decide who moves on to the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning.
The series has been a tumultuous ride for those who have tuned in. No team has been able to gain momentum by winning two games in a row throughout the entirety of the six games played so far.
Along with both teams exchanging wins, four of the games have been decided in overtime, with each team winning two games apiece. Gage Goncalves was the Game 6 overtime hero for Tampa Bay, as his goal was the game’s lone score and extended the Lightning’s hopes of moving on to the second round. Tampa left wing Brandon Hagel leads all players with six goals during the series.
Montreal’s edge in this series has come in two main areas: power plays and faceoffs. The Canadiens have scored on just over 20% of their power-play opportunities, along with boasting a 56% faceoff win percentage (3rd among teams in playoffs). Both teams are top two in takeaways (Tampa: 1st; Montreal: 2nd) and have given fans a truly exciting six-game bout thus far.
Here’s what you need to know about Sunday’s matchup between Tampa Bay and Montreal, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Lightning vs. Canadiens on today?
- TV channels: TNT, truTV
- Live streams: DIRECTV
Game 7 in the Lightning vs. Canadiens series will air on TNT and truTV. Fans can stream the game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
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Lightning vs. Canadiens start time
- Date: Sunday, May 3
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
Game 7 of the NHL Playoffs series between Tampa Bay and Montreal is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET from Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla.
Neither team has won two games in a row during this first-round matchup. The Lightning were able to edge out Montreal 1-0 in a Game 6 overtime win.
Lightning vs. Canadiens series schedule
Series tied 3-3
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 19 | Game 1: Canadiens 4, Lightning 3 (OT) | — | — |
| April 21 | Game 2: Lightning 3, Canadiens 2 (OT) | — | — |
| April 24 | Game 3: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2 (OT) | — | — |
| April 26 | Game 4: Lightning 3, Canadiens 2 | — | — |
| April 29 | Game 5: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2 | — | — |
| May 1 | Game 6: Lightning 1, Canadiens 0 (OT) | — | — |
| May 3 | Game 7 at Lightning | 6 p.m. | TNT, truTV, DIRECTV |
NHL Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket, updated live as series are completed.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 18 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | May 31-June 6 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 21 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 26-27 |
| Free agency begins | July 1 |