The Montreal Canadiens were on the verge of elimination heading into Thursday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They still are on the verge of elimination heading into Saturday's matchup, but they're coming off a dominant 6-2 victory.
Lightning vs. Canadiens 2015: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NHL playoffs online
The Canadiens are facing elimination once again, needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Lightning on Saturday.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Montreal controlled Tampa Bay from start to finish and should have momentum heading into an important Game 5. That said, the Lightning aren't exactly threatened when it comes to playing in Montreal -- they're a perfect five for five there this year, and need just one more win to seal the series and advance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Tampa Bay has out-scored the Canadiens 18-8 at the Bell Centre this season. One thing going in the Canadiens’ favor is that the games that Tampa Bay have won of late have been much closer. The Lightning had a narrow double-overtime victory in Game 1, and won another with a goal with just 1.1 seconds remaining in regulation. With some luck, the Canadiens might have been able to steal one of those wins.
Game 5 will be televised on NBCSN from Montreal, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
Game 5 coverage
7 p.m. ET | Game 5, Eastern Conference Semifinals
Bell Centre | Montreal
Nat'l: NBCSN
Live stream at NBC Live Extra
More coverage: Lightning blog | Canadiens blog
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