Canadiens aim to close out Lightning in Game 6 at home

The Montreal Canadiens will try to clinch their firstround NHL playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night at the Bell Centre in Montreal. Montreal leads the bestofseven matchup 32 after a 32 win in Tampa on Wednesday. The series has been tight throughout, with all five games decided by one goal and the first three going to overtime. A win would send the Canadiens to the second round for the first time since 2021. Tampa Bay may still get a boost from captain Victor Hedman, who is close to returning but will not play in Game 6. Coach Jon Cooper said the team will not rush him back before he is fully ready. The Lightning also did not confirm whether forward Nick Paul or defenceman CharlesEdouard D'Astous would return to the lineup. Montreal was expected to keep the same lineup it used in Game 5 as it tries to end the series on home ice.