Game Thirty-Eight: Montreal Canadiens (20-12-5) at Tampa Bay Lightning (21-13-5)

Time: 5:00 PM EST

Location: Benchmark International Arena, Where Canadian Hockey Fans Spend Their Christmas Break

TV/Stream/Radio: The Spot, TSN2, RDS, ESPN+, 102.5 FM, Lightning App

Odds: Lightning -148

Know the Opponents: Eyes on the Prize

Ah yes, we’ve reached one of those semi-seasonal points in the schedule where the hockey stars might just be aligning against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a long night in Sunrise, the Bolts are right back on the ice for an early start against a divisional rival that is well-rested. While there have been some fun moments against the Montreal Canadiens, they don’t quite stir the passions like the Florida Panthers, so motivation could be an issue today for the Lightning.

That being said, there is plenty to play for. Montreal is going to come out with a lot of energy and a little bit of motivation considering the last time these two teams met, the Lightning skated them off of the ice. They will also bring all of that youthful gumption a roster stocked with recent high draft picks can bring. There is a lot of speed and skill on their roster which may make for a long night for the Lightning defense.

There is a chance that Brandon Hagel could be back for this late-afternoon’s action, but the Bolts are still likely to be without Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak. Even if Hagel isn’t quite ready for action, there is a chance Coach Jon Cooper goes with a slightly speedier line-up and swaps Dominic James for Curtis Douglas.

Jonas Johansson was the beneficiary of the offensive explosion the last time these two teams met, and will be in net against them again. He did stop 26 of 27 shots in the game so it wasn’t like he was sitting back reading a book while the offense did all of the work. It’s likely to be Jacob Fowler in the net opposite of Johansson. The rookie netminder was recalled following the loss to the Lightning and has solid in his five appearances with a 3-1-1 record backed by a 2.40 GAA and .918 SV%

The game wraps up the home portion of the Lightning’s 2025 season as they head out west after today’s game. They’ll be away from Benchmark quite a bit over the next few weeks as they head out to California for three games, play the Avalanche at home, then are back on the road for another five games. In fact, they only have four home games all January long, so hopefully they can keep their success on the road going.

Potential Lines

Tampa Bay Lightning

Forwards:

Gage GoncalvesBrayden PointNikita KucherovJake GuentzelAnthony CirelliOliver BjorkstrandZemgus GirgensonsYanni GourdePontus HolmbergScott SabourinNick PaulDominic James

Defense:

J.J. MoserDarren RaddyshCharle-Edouard D’AstousMax CrozierDeclan CarlileSteven Santini

Goaltenders:

Jonas JohanssonAndrei Vasilevskiy

Montreal Canadiens

Forwards:

Cole CaufieldNick SuzukiZack BolducJuraj SlafkovskyOliver KapanenIvan DemidovAlex TexierPhillip DanaultJosh AndersonSammy BlaisJoe VelenoBrendan Gallagher

Defense:

Mike MathesonNoah DobsonLane HutsonAlexandre CarrierJayden StrubleArber Xhekaj

Goaltenders:

Jacob FowlerJakub Dubas / Sam Montembeault