Lightning Return Home After Wild Series Shift at Bell Centre in Montreal.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens' playoff battle continues after a dramatic, physical stretch that sent the series to Montreal and then shifted it back to Tampa. It's 2-2.
Before the road trip, former NHL player Glenn Metropolit shared what makes the Bell Centre one of hockey’s toughest playoff environments.
“You can’t even hear your teammates talk to you. That’s how loud it is.”
Metropolit said the crowd noise creates major communication challenges and can become a real factor during key moments.
His advice for the Tampa Bay Lightning was straightforward:
“They’ve got to play a simple game. Get the puck north, get it behind their D.”
He also stressed that playoff success often comes from unexpected contributors:
“A lot of guys that step up are fourth-liners, third-liners that are grinders.”
Metropolit praised the pace and intensity of the series, calling it everything fans love about postseason hockey.
“It’s playoff hockey. It’s the best time of year.”
The next chapter of this heated rivalry will take place on Wednesday, April 29, at Benchmark International Arena.
More information on Tampa Bay Lightning Journal and Hockey on the Beach websites.
