Todd Cordell
• Betting Analyst
12+ years betting experience
Updated:
Mar 31, 2026 , 09:26 AM ET
• 3 min read
Goals are never far behind when the Canadiens and Lightning meet, and our NHL betting picks are calling for another Over in tonight’s Atlantic Division clash.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) plays the puck.
The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning are two of the best offensive teams in the league, both slotting Top-3 in goals per game.
My Canadiens vs. Lightning predictions expect the high-end offenses to make their mark in this mouthwatering Atlantic Division matchup.
Let’s get into my NHL picks for Tuesday, March 31.
Canadiens vs Lightning prediction
Canadiens vs Lightning best bet: Over 6.5 (+100)
Fireworks tend to follow when the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning square off.
The Atlantic Division foes have seen eight of the last nine head-to-head meetings go Over 6.5, including both matchups this season. An average of 7.66 goals have been scored along the way.
The numbers indicate we should expect more of the same. Montreal sits fourth in scoring rate at 5-on-5 and second on the power play over their last 10 games.
The Bolts top the league in 5-on-5 efficiency and rank sixth on the man advantage during the same period.
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Canadiens vs Lightning same-game parlay
Tough opponents don’t hinder Lane Hutson in the slightest. He has picked up a helper in eight of his last 10 games against Top-10 teams in limiting goals against, tallying 10 in total.
Noah Dobson generated eight shots on 15 attempts over the first two meetings this season. Routinely playing 22+ minutes and active in the offensive zone, he should be plenty involved in this marquee clash.
Canadiens vs Lightning SGP
Over 6.5
Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists
Noah Dobson Over 1.5 shots on goal
Canadiens vs Lightning odds
Moneyline: Montreal +145 | Tampa Bay -170
Puck line: Montreal +1.5 (-160) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Canadiens vs Lightning trend
The Lightning have hit the Over in 13 of their last 20 games (+8.75 Units / 40% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Lightning.
How to watch Canadiens vs Lightning
Location
Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
Date
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN2, The Spot
Canadiens vs Lightning latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Todd Cordell is a data-driven betting analyst. He uses numbers to help identify value across a wide variety of sports, with NHL being his specialty. Shot props, in particular, have proven to be a very fruitful market. Todd has served as a betting analyst in the public sphere for many years, most recently with theScore covering the NHL and MLB.
When not writing about sports betting, Todd stays busy analyzing the New Jersey Devils with a fine-tooth comb for InfernalAccess, his Devils-centric blog. Todd attended Sheridan College and graduated in 2014 with a diploma in print journalism.
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