NHL Betting Preview: Lightning vs Canadiens
The Tampa Bay Lightning go up against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre, with face-off scheduled for 16:00 on Thursday, April 9.
Lightning To Have No Joy
The Canadiens are available at -102 when it comes to the Moneyline. Our prediction is that they’ll outscore the Lightning and there’s value available when it comes to these odds.
Lightning Have Claimed 7 Wins in 10 on H2H
Tampa Bay Lightning have been defeated in their previous three road games. They recently suffered a 6-2 loss against Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Corey Perry and Nick Paul each scored one goal.
Montreal Canadiens won their last game, beating Florida Panthers at home. It was a 4-3 (SO) win at Bell Centre. Nick Suzuki, Ivan Demidov and Phillip Danault scored one goal apiece.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The Habs won the most recent encounter between these teams. A 4-1 victory was registered against the Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. The Lightning have won seven of the past 10 games that these teams have played.
Starting Goalies
Andrei Vasilevskiy (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
37-14-4
2.3
.911
2
23/24
30-20-2
2.9
.900
2
Jakub Dobes (Expected)
Season
W-L-OTL:
GAA:
SV%:
SO:
24/25
28-8-4
2.7
.904
0
Tampa Bay Lightning – Last 10 Games
5 wins, 3 losses and 2 overtime losses, averaging 3.3 goals from 29.6 shots on goal, with a 9.4% powerplay efficiency. The Lightning have given up 3.3 goals from 26.3 shots, averaging 5.4 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 88.9%.
Jake Guentzel is the top points scorer with 14 points, 6 goals and 8 assists, with Darren Raddysh racking up 9 points, 3 goals and 6 assists, in the past 10 games. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy have a 2.59 goal against average with a .893 save percentage.
Montreal Canadiens – Last 10 Games
The Habs have 9 wins and 1 loss, averaging 3.4 goals from 25.2 shots on goal, with a 12.3% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 2.0 goals from 30.2 shots, averaging 4.3 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 90.7%.
The top points scorer is Cole Caufield with 17 points, 9 goals and 8 assists, while Nick Suzuki is next best after registering 15 points, 4 goals and 11 assists. Goalie Jakub Dobes have a 1.79 GAA with a .948 SV%.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction & Picks
Take on Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens with our in-depth betting analysis, featuring an expert match prediction, scoreline advice and a value-driven bet builder. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Game Prediction
If you’re looking for a value bet, then -102 that Montreal Canadiens win this NHL game certainly stands out. We’re expecting them to triumph on the Moneyline at attractive odds.
Recent form is always part of the equation and we combine it with team news as soon as it’s available. To deliver expert hockey picks, our handicappers also analyze the latest NHL stats to ensure we’re working with the best information possible.
Key Lightning vs Canadiens stats:
Canadiens have won 9 of their last 10 games.Canadiens have won 4 of their last 5 games.Lightning have lost their last 3 games on the road.Lightning have lost 6 of their last 10 games on the road.Canadiens Moneyline Probability
When you look at the latest odds, our pick has a 50.5% chance of landing a return. In the opinion of our cappers, there’s actually a probability of success between 55-60%. This is why we regard this as a value bet.
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There are different ways to boost the odds on a Moneyline pick and some bettors take the Bet Builder option. It’s effectively a same game parlay where you throw in other selections.
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Our Game Prediction
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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Apr 8, 20:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 20:56, 08 April 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens Odds
The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.
Close Game On the Cards According to Latest Odds
The betting odds about Montreal Canadiens winning is -102, with Tampa Bay Lightning priced up at -118 to achieve victory. According to the top sportsbooks, the home team have an implied probability of 51%.
The puck line is 1.5 and total goals is 6.5. A Totals wager is always available and can often provide value selections. If you fancy Over 6.5, this outcome can be backed at -108.
You can find a huge selection of team props and game lines for every National Hockey League matchup, with the top betting apps creating many different options. Check out the in-game and pre-game selections before placing your wagers.
Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Team Stats
Latest regular season and playoff games stats.
Tampa Bay Lightning Stats
Montreal Canadiens Stats
5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
9 wins and 1 defeat in the last 10 games
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games
-1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 4 of the last 10 games
-1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 4 of the last 10 games on the road
+1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 of the last 10 games
+1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 home games
Game Totals: An average of 6.60 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals on the Road: An average of 7.70 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
Over 6.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 on the Road: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 games on the road
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.30 goals and allowed 3.30 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.80 pts and allowed 3.90 goals in the last 10 games on the road
Game Totals: An average of 5.60 goals in the previous 10 games
Game Totals at Home: An average of 6.00 goals in the previous 10 home games
Over 6.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
Over 6.5 at Home: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 home games
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.60 goals and allowed 2.00 goals in the last 10 games
Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.50 goals and allowed 2.50 goals in the last 10 home games
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.5
Shots: 29.6
Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
Penalties: 5.4
Empty Net Goals: 0.4
Penalty Minutes: 12.5
Blocks: 17
Faceoff Wins : 28.2
Hits: 19.6
Giveaways: 15.4
Takeaways: 3.8
Last 10 Games on the Road
Goals Powerplay: 0.6
Shots: 28.8
Goals Shorthanded: 0.2
Penalties: 5.1
Empty Net Goals: 0.3
Penalty Minutes: 14.5
Blocks: 13.7
Faceoff Wins : 28.3
Hits: 21.7
Giveaways: 15.3
Takeaways: 4.1
Last 10 Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.7
Shots: 25.2
Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
Penalties: 4.3
Empty Net Goals: 0.3
Penalty Minutes: 10.7
Blocks: 11.3
Faceoff Wins : 28
Hits: 22.9
Giveaways: 12.9
Takeaways: 4.1
Last 10 Home Games
Goals Powerplay: 0.4
Shots: 27.1
Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
Penalties: 3.2
Empty Net Goals: 0.4
Penalty Minutes: 8.8
Blocks: 13.9
Faceoff Wins : 29.1
Hits: 22.2
Giveaways: 13.7
Takeaways: 4.7
Starting Lineups
Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of face-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.
Expert Analysis by Kevin Thompson
NHL Analyst
About the Analyst
Our ice hockey previews are produced by a specialised team of analysts, former odds compilers and sports journalists. Picks are research-driven and reviewed for accuracy and editorial consistency under the oversight of our hockey panel and Editor-in-Chief.
NHL Predictions Methodology
Our NHL analysis combines the latest team news, injury reports and line changes with recent form and market movement. We factor in situational analysis like home ice advantage and schedule spots. Metrics such as Corsi, Fenwick, Expected Goals (xG) and PDO are used to evaluate puck possession, shot quality, goaltending performance and special teams efficiency beyond the traditional box score.
Full Methodology & Data Sources
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Transparency & Safety
This preview was last updated on Apr 8, 20:56 to reflect the latest team news, injury reports, confirmed lines and pairings, starting goaltenders, lineup changes, schedule context, key performance metrics and odds movement.
All analysis is produced by professional analysts and reviewed by our Ice Hockey Editorial Betting Panel for accuracy and consistency.
Historical performance for our game predictions is tracked and updated regularly for transparency.
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