Jerseys out, hopes high: Habs fans gear up for Game 6
Posted May 1, 2026 4:49 pm.
Last Updated May 1, 2026 7:09 pm.
Fans began gathering outside the Bell Centre hours before puck drop, as the Montreal Canadiens prepared for a pivotal Game 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning with a chance to clinch the series on home ice.
By mid-afternoon, Canadiens Plaza and surrounding streets were already filling with a sea of red, white and blue as supporters arrived early to take in the playoff atmosphere.
Groups of fans posed for photos, waved flags and broke into chants of “Go Habs Go,” building anticipation ahead of what could be a defining night in Montreal’s playoff run.
Fan anticipation reaches a fever pitch
Excitement continued to build in the hours leading up to puck drop, with fans travelling from across Quebec, Canada and beyond for a potential series-clinching game.
For some, it marked their first playoff experience.
“I’m very excited. This is my first playoff game,” one woman said. “I’ve only ever been to one NHL game, so this is going to be definitely a big memory for me.”
She said the possibility of a win had already sparked plans for a celebration.
“If they win this game, I’m going to the casino tonight and spending as much as I can,” she said.
For others heading into the arena, confidence in the Canadiens was just as high.
“So fired up. Words cannot explain right now,” one man said. “Hopefully they can do it tonight. We’ll see what happens.”
He pointed to Montreal’s Game 5 win in Tampa as a sign of momentum.
“Not worried. They take Game 5 in Tampa, they can take Game 6 at home,” he said.
Asked how he would react if the Canadiens clinched the series, he didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll probably streak the ice if I can,” he said, laughing. “But we’ll see. No, I’ll be excited. It’ll be good for a change, a playoff win. This is a good little redemption shot for the boys.”
He also highlighted key contributors.
“Slaf has been an absolute weapon in this series,” he said. “And hopefully Caufield continues to turn it up. He’s been a little quiet, but maybe we’ll see some shine in this game.”
Not all fans made the trip from nearby. Some travelled thousands of kilometres to be part of the moment.
“I think it’s better to win the last game, it’s better to win at home,” one man said, adding proudly, “I’m from Belgium.”
He said his connection to the team grew while playing hockey in Canada.
“My favorite team is Montreal,” he said.
Others made significant financial and logistical commitments to attend. Two fans flew in from Newfoundland the day before for the game.
The group said they paid $1,700 for a pair of tickets.
“Well worth it,” one fan said.
Despite the cost, confidence remained high.
“I think they’ve got it in the bag,” he said. “It’s good that they’re back from Tampa now. Up 3-2 rather than trying to fight for a Game 7. I think they can pull it home today.”
If the Canadiens win, he added: “I’ll feel pretty happy. I think this is their year.”
His partner shared the optimism.
“They’re putting up a fight and they’re not backing down,” she said. “They can keep that momentum going and they’ll take it home. You’ve got to feel good. You’ve got to have the positive vibes.”
Another group, also visiting from Halifax, said they secured tickets through the season ticket waitlist.
“Got them at $200 each in the 300 section,” one man said. “It was good… Didn’t have to go aftermarket.”
“Excited, man. It’s going to be good,” he added.
Another fan said team chemistry had him convinced.
“We’re wired,” he said.
“Boys are getting it done, Habs in six.”
More fan voices ahead of puck drop
One returning fan said confidence was unwavering ahead of Game 6.
“Very confident. Habs will win tonight for sure. Now that Gally’s back in the lineup, he made a difference last game. He’s going to make another difference tonight,” he said.
Another group said their support for the Canadiens has only grown over time.
“We just enjoy the atmosphere. We like the big city. We’re big hockey fans, so we go to lots of games,” one man said.
“We’ve been Habs fans for years. We also follow a couple of the Canadian teams, but this is a great team to follow. It’s a young team, it’s a strong team, and we came up to see something happen tonight.”
Confidence, he added, remained high.
“I feel very confident. They’re going to take it home. They finished it, they set it up a couple of nights ago in Tampa, and this is it tonight.”
Support stretches far beyond Montreal
The excitement isn’t limited to the city. At Collège Bourget in Rigaud, students were given special permission to swap their uniforms for Canadiens jerseys, showing their support from afar and highlighting the team’s reach across Quebec.
