Lightning to Face Canadiens in First Round of Playoffs

Tampa Bay's postseason schedule announced for 2026 Stanley Cup run

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:28am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game with overlapping planes of color and shape, representing the strategic battle between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens in the NHL playoffs.The Lightning and Canadiens will clash in an intense first-round playoff series, with Tampa Bay seeking to defend its recent Stanley Cup championships.Today in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced their first-round playoff schedule for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Lightning will open the postseason at home against the Montreal Canadiens at Benchmark International Arena.

Why it matters

The Lightning are looking to capture their third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history after winning titles in 2020 and 2022. As the defending champions, they will face a tough test against the Canadiens, who are making their first playoff appearance since 2024.

The details

The first-round series between the Lightning and Canadiens will begin on April 15, 2026 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. Game 2 will also be played in Tampa on April 17 before the series shifts to Montreal for Games 3 and 4 on April 19 and 21. If necessary, Game 5 will be back in Tampa on April 23, Game 6 in Montreal on April 25, and Game 7 in Tampa on April 27.

  • The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens will begin on April 15, 2026.
  • Game 2 will be played on April 17, 2026.
  • Games 3 and 4 will be in Montreal on April 19 and 21, 2026.
  • If necessary, Game 5 will be in Tampa on April 23, 2026, Game 6 in Montreal on April 25, 2026, and Game 7 in Tampa on April 27, 2026.

The players

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to get the playoffs started and defend our title. The Canadiens are a tough opponent, but we're ready for the challenge.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Lightning

What’s next

The winner of the Lightning-Canadiens series will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals to face the winner of the Boston Bruins-Carolina Hurricanes first-round matchup.

The takeaway

The Lightning's quest for a third Stanley Cup championship in seven years begins with a tough first-round series against the resurgent Canadiens. Tampa Bay will need to rely on their championship experience and depth to overcome Montreal and keep their title defense alive.