Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh beats Montreal Canadiens center Phillip Danault (24) chasing a loose puck in the first period during game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amaile Arena in Tampa Bay on Apr 29, 2026 (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Len Shapiro:

#1 How did the Montreal Canadiens secure their 3–2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5, and what impact did that have on the series?

#2 What were the key moments in the Philadelphia Flyers’ Game 6 overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins that allowed them to advance to the second round?

#3 In the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Utah Mammoth Game 5, how did the game unfold, and what role did overtime play in the final result?

#4 Which players had standout performances across the April 29 playoff games, and how did their contributions influence their teams’ outcomes?

#5 Which series were on the verge of elimination or advancement following the April 29 games, and how did those results shift the overall playoff picture?

Len Shapiro does the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com