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Todd Cordell<\/a> 12+ years betting experience<\/p>\n \n Updated: \u2022 3 min read<\/p>\n Our NHL expert sees Juraj Slafkovsky continuing to give the Lightning fits on Sunday night.<\/p>\n Photo By – Reuters Connect. Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky.<\/p>\n Juraj Slafkovsky enjoyed a massive breakout season with Montreal, blowing past previous highs while producing 73 points over 82 games.<\/p>\n He enjoyed a lot of success against Tampa Bay, and my Canadiens vs. Lightning predictions expect that to continue in the series opener.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s dive into my NHL picks<\/a> for Sunday, April 19.<\/p>\n Canadiens vs Lightning Game 1 prediction Lightning: Despite dealing with a ton of injuries all season long, they still won 50 games and finished 32 goals above Montreal in goal differential.\u00a0They have a better underlying profile, a battle-tested roster, and an advantage in goal. That should shine through.<\/p>\n Canadiens vs Lightning best bet: Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points\u00a0(-145)<\/p>\n Juraj Slafkovsky<\/a> had an excellent campaign altogether but was especially effective down the stretch, producing 28 points over 25 games following the Olympics.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t as if Slafkovsky had a couple of ceiling performances exaggerate his numbers. He was remarkably consistent, hitting the scoresheet at least once in 18 games \u2014 good for a 74% clip.<\/p>\n Slafkovsky faced the Tampa Bay Lightning <\/a>twice during that stretch and produced multiple points in both meetings. That is nothing new for Slafkovsky, who has points in five of his last six against the Bolts.<\/p>\n Look for Slafkovsky to make an impact in Game 1.<\/p>\n Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account Mike Matheson<\/a> blocked multiple shots in 60% of his games this season, including the only game played without Noah Dobson. The Montreal Canadiens<\/a> are likely to be even more reliant on the veteran defenseman with Dobson sidelined.<\/p>\n More usage means more opportunities to block shots, especially against a strong shot-generation team like Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n Jake Guentzel<\/a> has 43 goals and 73 points through 74 games, always rising to the occasion when the games matter most. He also has points in eight of his last 10 against Montreal, making him a prime target in this matchup.<\/p>\n Canadiens vs Lightning SGP<\/p>\n Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points Canadiens vs Lightning Game 1 goal scorer pick
\n \u2022 Betting Analyst<\/p>\n
\nApr 18, 2026 , 05:07 PM ET<\/p>\n
\nWho will win Canadiens vs Lightning Game 1?<\/p>\n![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776549659_690_google-preferred-source-badge.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/a>Canadiens vs Lightning Game 1 same-game parlay<\/p>\n
\nMike Matheson Over 1.5 blocked shots
\nJake Guentzel Over 0.5 points<\/p>\n
\nNikita Kucherov (+130)<\/p>\n