Fans bring playoff energy as Montreal Canadiens host Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4
Posted April 26, 2026 11:12 am.
Last Updated April 26, 2026 7:35 pm.
The Montreal Canadiens are back in action Sunday night at the Bell Centre for Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, holding a 2–1 series lead in a tightly contested first-round matchup that has seen all three games decided in overtime.
The puck drops at 7 p.m. in Montreal, with the Canadiens looking to build on momentum from their 3–2 overtime win in Game 3.
Canadiens lean on OT momentum
Lane Hutson’s overtime winner in Game 3 delivered the victory and gave Montreal the edge in the series.
The Canadiens backed it up with a disciplined defensive effort, limiting Tampa Bay to just 17 shots on goal in a tightly contested game.
Fans know just how tight this series has been.
“There’s virtually no space on the ice,” said one fan. “It’s a super tight game. It could have been on the side, through and out another. Finally, we’re able to pull it up in the last game.”
He added that continued contributions across the lineup will be key:
“Frankly, if the first line can actually wake up tonight, plus the third line that we saw last game, I think it can definitely be a storm for us, and it could definitely — we can go again, as I mentioned earlier — we can go to Tampa three to one and have a chance to win this series in five, perhaps.”
Another home night, familiar scene downtown
With a second straight home game, large crowds are expected around the Bell Centre ahead of puck drop, continuing the playoff atmosphere seen earlier in the week.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:50 p.m. to catch the pregame show. Rally towels will once again be placed on every seat inside the arena.
Outside, the energy builds early.
“I’m very stressed. It’s going to be a fun game,” said one fan. “We’re going to have the crowd behind them and hopefully we can get Game 4 and take a 3–1 series lead.”
Many are hoping to avoid another nerve-wracking finish.
“I hope it’s not going to be another overtime period,” he added. “Going with these two teams, both physical and both strong, and hopefully we could finish off in regulation. We almost had them last game, but I don’t want another overtime. I want to finish this in regulation.”
He is planning to be part of the crowd outside the arena.
“I’m going to watch it from outside and stay with these crazy fans of ours,” he said.
Watch parties and fan events
Outdoor fan gatherings are expected to draw major crowds once again.
The official Habs Watch Party — Street Edition on Avenue des Canadiens is sold out, while the Fan Jam at Canadiens Plaza runs from 5 p.m. until puck drop, featuring food, music, and interactive activities.
Fans can enjoy everything from live broadcasts and food vendors to interactive games, giveaways, and even a tattoo station.
Inside the Bell Centre, Canadian country artist Rick Duff will perform throughout the night at M2 Loto-Québec (section 106), with sets before the game, between periods, and after the final horn.
Fans travel far and wide
The playoff buzz is drawing fans from across Canada and beyond.
“We left Thursday from New Brunswick with a group of adults and 12 teenage kids to watch Game 3 on Friday, and now it’s Game 4 on Sunday,” said one supporter.
One father and son shared their excitement about finally experiencing playoff hockey together.
“We’ve come in from Toronto. We’re longtime Habs fans — not Toronto Maple Leafs fans — so we’re very, very happy to be here and them not be here,” another fan said. “That’s the best part.”
“There’s no better place to watch a hockey game,” the father said. “Every game’s gone to overtime, so they’ve got a great chance.”
“I’ve never been to a Habs game before,” his son added. “I think we got this one here.”
For others, the experience is just as meaningful.
“I came from Connecticut… my dad surprised me with tickets,” said another fan. “We decided to drive the four hours here and root for the Canadiens.”
“I’m still very excited. It’s my first playoff game, and I’ve been watching it from home. I’ve been very hyped about this. I’m very excited. Cold call field. I have a feeling it’s going to score tonight. I know tonight’s the night. I’m very excited,” he added.
He says so far the team has done well.
“I think we did pretty good. I think we just got tight enough on the defense part. Other than that, I think we’ve been doing really well. Overtime is very scary, though. Me and my dad are always very amped up about it. But I think we’re doing pretty good. I really think we’re going to win tonight.”
Confidence building among fans
Excitement is building as fans sense a potential turning point in the series.
“If we get to 3–1 in the series, we’re not turning back,” one fan said. “We’re definitely going to the second round…. I’m pretty sure the crowd will follow the team tonight. We’ll definitely beat a seven player again.”
“We’re winning tonight, no doubt,” another added confidently.
The atmosphere itself is part of the advantage.
“It’s lively,” said one fan. “This is Canada Central right here when it comes to hockey, you know? That’s for sure. So happy to be here, to say the least.”
Series pressure builds
Game 4 marks another key turning point, with Montreal aiming to extend its series advantage while Tampa Bay looks to even things up.
Discipline remains a factor. The Canadiens allowed five power-play opportunities in Game 3.
Depth has also played a major role through the first three games, with different players stepping up each night — a trend Montreal will look to continue.
“Their performance so far in the series, sorry, has been very encouraging. They’re doing a great job. It’s a tight series. Two good teams. I think it’ll be a good game tonight, but I think we’re going to take it,” one fan said.
Players to watch
Lane Hutson remains in focus after his Game 3 heroics.
For Tampa Bay, Brayden Point opened his playoff scoring in the last game and remains a major offensive threat.
Fans are also expecting big moments from Montreal’s stars.
“Caulfield’s going to show up,” one fan said. “He’s going to put it away.”
Head-to-head
The two teams split their regular season series, while the playoff matchup has remained razor-thin:
Game 1: Montreal 4–3 (OT)
Game 2: Tampa Bay 3–2 (OT)
Game 3: Montreal 3–2 (OT)
With every game requiring extra time so far, another high-intensity, closely fought contest is expected Sunday night as the series continues to tighten.
A playoff atmosphere like no other
For many, the experience goes beyond the game itself.
“There’s nothing like it,” one fan said. “Montreal does it best. I’m telling you — there’s nothing else like Montreal. Go Habs go!”
And whether inside the Bell Centre or outside in the streets, one thing is certain:
“It’s going to be amazing. I can’t even express my feelings. Just being there alive with the fans and everybody, it’s going to be crazy,” one fan expressed.
