Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, Picks & Odds | 31 Mar 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Canadiens vs Lightning

The Montreal Canadiens go up against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena, with face-off scheduled for 19:00 on Tuesday, March 31.

There is merit in backing the Lightning on the 3-Way Moneyline, with our prediction being that the home team will beat the Canadiens in 60 minutes. Especially as odds of -108 are available about this happening.

Montreal Canadiens won their previous game 3-1. This road victory at Lenovo Center against Carolina Hurricanes was their fifth on the spin. Nick Suzuki registered two goals, with Cole Caufield scoring one. Goalie Jakub Dobes was red hot in the net, stopping 34 shots (.971).

Tampa Bay Lightning have enjoyed back-to-back wins, most recently beating Nashville Predators 3-2. It was a home success at Benchmark International Arena. Jake Guentzel had 3 points, featuring 1 goal and 2 assists. Goalie Jonas Johansson made 29 saves (.935).

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Lightning triumphed 5-4 when they last played the Habs. This head-to-head was played at Benchmark International Arena. The Lightning have three straight victories against the Habs. They have won 7 of the 10 previous head-to-head meetings.

Starting Goalies

Jakub Dobes (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	29-10-4	2.8	.901	0

Andrei Vasilevskiy (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	39-15-4	2.3	.911	2
23/24	30-20-2	2.9	.900	2

7 wins and 3 losses, averaging 3.3 goals from 26.9 shots on goal, with a 15.8% powerplay efficiency. The Habs have given up 2.3 goals from 29.0 shots, averaging 3.2 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 81.3%.

Nick Suzuki is the top points scorer with 17 points, 5 goals and 12 assists, with Cole Caufield racking up 15 points, 9 goals and 6 assists, in the past 10 games. Goalie Jakub Dobes have a 1.83 goal against average with a .939 save percentage.

The Lightning have 7 wins, 1 loss and 2 overtime losses, averaging 4.2 goals from 28.1 shots on goal, with a 18.0% powerplay efficiency. They have been conceding 2.6 goals from 25.8 shots, averaging 3.7 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 94.6%.

The top points scorer is Nikita Kucherov with 17 points, 6 goals and 11 assists, while Brandon Hagel is next best after having 14 points, 5 goals and 9 assists. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy have a 2.00 GAA with a .918 SV%, including one shutout.

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction & Picks

Approach Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning fully prepared with our expert match prediction, likely score outcome, standout player prop picks and a hand-picked bet builder.

Game Prediction

For this NHL clash, our pick is Tampa Bay Lightning to win in regulation time against inferior opposition and we think that the -108 represents an attractive bet on the 60-minute line.

The NHL experts at Sportsgambler.com start by analyzing recent form and staying on top of injury news before making any hockey predictions. From there, we interpret the story the stats are telling to help shape our picks.

Key Canadiens vs Lightning stats:

• Lightning have won 15 of their last 20 games at home.
• Lightning have won 7 of their last 10 games.
• Lightning have won 2 consecutive games.
• Lightning have won the last 3 games between these teams.

Lightning 3-Way Moneyline Probability

Looking at the latest betting odds, there’s a 51.8% likelihood of our pick delivering a return. Our experts think there’s a stronger chance of success and calculate the probability to be 55-60%. This is why we regard this as a value bet.

If you can correctly predict that Tampa Bay will win along with the number of goals, then you are able to combine the two picks by going down the Match Winner & Total Goals route.

Before you back your picks, see how far a bonus can take you — our guide highlights the top betting offers live now.

Our Game Prediction

Lightning 3-Way Moneyline @ -108 Bet Now

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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 (Mar 30, 23:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Nikita Kucherov Over 0.5 Assists -222

Nikita Kucherov (Lightning) has recorded at least one assist in 6 straight games. Using this stat, we can therefore back him at -222 when it comes to a Player Assists bet which looks like a value pick.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Canadiens 3 - 5 Lightning

We’re taking a correct score bet which involves the Lightning to win 5-3. The odds of +1900 make plenty of appeal and you should hopefully get some entertainment with this wager.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Canadiens

Lightning

1-0

Canadiens

+6000

Lightning

+5500

2-0

Canadiens

+6000

Lightning

+4500

2-1

Canadiens

+1700

Lightning

+1500

3-0

Canadiens

+4500

Lightning

+2900

3-1

Canadiens

+2400

Lightning

+1700

3-2

Canadiens

+1000

Lightning

+800

4-0

Canadiens

+6000

Lightning

+3300

4-1

Canadiens

+2200

Lightning

+1300

4-2

Canadiens

+1900

Lightning

+1400

4-3

Canadiens

+1150

Lightning

+950

5-0

Canadiens

+11000

Lightning

+5000

5-1

Canadiens

+4000

Lightning

+1900

5-2

Canadiens

+2200

Lightning

+1300

5-3

Canadiens

+2800

Lightning

+1900

5-4

Canadiens

+2000

Lightning

+1800

6-0

Canadiens

+2000

Lightning

+7500

6-1

Canadiens

+9000

Lightning

+4000

6-2

Canadiens

+4500

Lightning

+2200

6-3

Canadiens

+3500

Lightning

+2200

6-4

Canadiens

+5500

Lightning

+4000

6-5

Canadiens

+5000

Lightning

+4000

7-0

Canadiens

+5000

Lightning

+11000

7-1

Canadiens

+14000

Lightning

+6600

7-2

Canadiens

+12000

Lightning

+5500

7-3

Canadiens

+7500

Lightning

+4000

7-4

Canadiens

+7500

Lightning

+5000

7-5

Canadiens

+11000

Lightning

+9000

7-6

Canadiens

+11000

Lightning

+10000

8-1

Canadiens

+11000

Lightning

+11000

8-2

Canadiens

+11000

Lightning

+9000

8-3

Canadiens

+11000

Lightning

+10000

8-4

Canadiens

+14000

Lightning

+9000

8-5

Canadiens

+14000

Lightning

+12000

View More

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning 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.

The sportsbooks’ betting odds have Tampa Bay Lightning as -175 favorites for this game, implying that they are 64% likely to win. For those wanting to back Montreal Canadiens, you will find +146 about the underdogs.

There is a puck line of 1.5 and total goals has a line of 6.5. The beauty of Totals is that you only have to choose from one of two options. If you fancy Over 6.5, this outcome can be backed at -102.

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.

Moneyline

Canadiens

+146

Lightning

-175

3-Way Moneyline

Canadiens

+240

Tie

+340

Lightning

-112

Puck Line

Canadiens +1.5

-172

Lightning -1.5

+140

Total Goals

Under 6.5

-120

Over 6.5

-102

Prop betting is very popular, with bettors looking to wager on player props such as Goals, Shots, Powerplay Points and Goaltender Saves. It’s a great way of betting on individual player performance and the gambling sites will provide lots of options.

Micro betting is an exciting way to wager on the NHL. There are a huge range of live lines and it’s a simple case of predicting what is going to happen next. Next Goal, Next Goalscorer and several 10 Minute lines are among the options.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Montreal Canadiens Stats

Tampa Bay Lightning Stats

Moneyline

• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
• 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 8 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 9 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have not covered the -1.5 puck line in any of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 4.90 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 5.40 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 5.5: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 on the Road: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.40 goals and allowed 2.50 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.30 pts and allowed 2.10 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 4.70 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 5.90 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 5.5: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 at Home: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.30 goals and allowed 2.40 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 3.10 goals and allowed 2.80 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 24.1
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 6.7
• Empty Net Goals: 0
• Penalty Minutes: 16.6
• Blocks: 13.2
• Faceoff Wins : 28.4
• Hits: 36.1
• Giveaways: 14.3
• Takeaways: 4.7

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.8
• Shots: 24.8
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 5.2
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 11.1
• Blocks: 11.3
• Faceoff Wins : 29.4
• Hits: 27.3
• Giveaways: 14.2
• Takeaways: 4.9

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.4
• Shots: 26.2
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 6.7
• Empty Net Goals: 0
• Penalty Minutes: 17.6
• Blocks: 16
• Faceoff Wins : 23.2
• Hits: 28.4
• Giveaways: 15.8
• Takeaways: 5.3

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.2
• Shots: 29.8
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 6.1
• Empty Net Goals: 0.2
• Penalty Minutes: 13.5
• Blocks: 17
• Faceoff Wins : 25.1
• Hits: 22.9
• Giveaways: 15.2
• Takeaways: 4

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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