Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, Picks & Odds | 21 Apr 2026

Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview: Canadiens vs Lightning

The Montreal Canadiens (48-24-10, 24-9-8 on the road) face the Tampa Bay Lightning (50-26-6, 26-14-1 at home) at Benchmark International Arena in Game 2 of this first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series. The Habs lead the series 1-0.

The +230 about the Canadiens looks like really good value in the 3-Way Moneyline market. Montreal won Game 1 in overtime and, with momentum on their side, we think the Lightning can be beaten in regulation again, making this our best pick.

The Montreal Canadiens opened the series with a 4-3 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena.

The Canadiens had 25 shots on goal, with Juraj Slafkovsky scoring a hat trick and Josh Anderson adding a goal. The Lightning also recorded 25 shots, with Brandon Hagel netting two goals and Darren Raddysh adding the other.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The last 10 meetings between these teams are split evenly, with five wins each.

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

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction & Picks

Our expert Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning betting tips include a main match prediction, a correct score pick, standout player prop selections and same game parlay advice. Explore each section below for detailed insights.

Game Prediction

We’re backing the Montreal Canadiens to get the win here. The road team could have the edge and +230 on the 60-minute line looks like a great price.

Our expert NHL handicappers study recent form and take injuries into account when assessing each matchup. Before delivering a verdict, we combine that insight with the latest stats to strengthen our hockey analysis.

Key Canadiens vs Lightning stats:

• Canadiens have won 8 of their last 10 games on the road.
• Canadiens have won 4 of their last 5 games on the road.
• Lightning have lost 6 of their last 10 games.
• Lightning have lost 3 of their last 5 games.
• Lightning have lost their last 2 games.
• Lightning have lost their last 3 games against Canadiens.

Canadiens 3-Way Moneyline Probability

According to the latest odds, our pick has a 30.3% chance of winning. Based on our analysts in-depth research, we calculate the actual probability to be closer to 40%. This hockey bet can therefore be backed with confidence.

Those looking for bigger odds about a victory for Montreal should head to the Match Winner & Total Goals section. You can combine this pick with an Under / Over goals prediction for more juice.

Why bet empty-handed? Check our up-to-date guide for the latest sign-up promos, welcome bonuses and betting offers.

Our Game Prediction

Canadiens 3-Way Moneyline @ +230 Bet Now

BetMGM Promo Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Get Bonus T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+

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 20, 23:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Darren Raddysh Over 2.5 Shots -185

Darren Raddysh (Lightning) has recorded Over 2.5 shots on goal in 5 straight games. In our opinion, there is value when it comes to him covering the line, with betting odds of -185 now available.

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 4 - 2 Lightning

A 4-2 Canadiens win is priced at +1700 in the correct score market. It’s a higher-risk play, but one that comes with plenty of upside.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Canadiens

Lightning

1-0

Canadiens

+4500

Lightning

+4500

2-0

Canadiens

+4500

Lightning

+3300

2-1

Canadiens

+1400

Lightning

+1300

3-0

Canadiens

+4000

Lightning

+2200

3-1

Canadiens

+1800

Lightning

+1400

3-2

Canadiens

+1050

Lightning

+850

4-0

Canadiens

+5500

Lightning

+2800

4-1

Canadiens

+2000

Lightning

+1150

4-2

Canadiens

+1700

Lightning

+1200

4-3

Canadiens

+1300

Lightning

+1000

5-0

Canadiens

+1300

Lightning

+4000

5-1

Canadiens

+4000

Lightning

+1800

5-2

Canadiens

+2400

Lightning

+1300

5-3

Canadiens

+2500

Lightning

+1600

5-4

Canadiens

+2200

Lightning

+1600

6-1

Canadiens

+2200

Lightning

+3000

6-2

Canadiens

+6600

Lightning

+2400

6-3

Canadiens

+4000

Lightning

+2200

6-4

Canadiens

+7000

Lightning

+4000

6-5

Canadiens

+5500

Lightning

+4000

7-1

Canadiens

+5500

Lightning

+6000

7-2

Canadiens

+5500

Lightning

+5000

7-3

Canadiens

+5500

Lightning

+5000

7-4

Canadiens

+5500

Lightning

+6000

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 the Lightning as -189 favorites for this game, implying that Tampa Bay is 65% likely to win. The Montreal Canadiens are regarded as a long shot to win and you can currently back them at +155.

1.5 is the puck line and 5.5 is the total goals line. The beauty of Totals is that you only have to choose from one of two options. If you’re wanting to back Over 5.5, the odds are -130.

You can find hundreds of game lines and team props for every National Hockey League clash, with the top betting sites creating lots of different options. Check out the pre-game and in-game selections before placing your bets.

Moneyline

Canadiens

+155

Lightning

-189

3-Way Moneyline

Canadiens

+240

Tie

+360

Lightning

-118

Puck Line

Canadiens +1.5

-164

Lightning -1.5

+134

Total Goals

Under 5.5

+106

Over 5.5

-130

Should you be more interested in a specific player, check out the gambling sites’ prop bets where you can pick out goalie and player props that focus on performance rather than the game lines and final score. For example Goaltender Saves and Powerplay Points.

Instead of focusing on the overall outcome, some bettors prefer to look at the NHL micro betting lines. As the name suggests, it means placing short-term wagers and this might include the Next Goalscorer or Next Goal.

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

Where to Bet on Ice Hockey Games

Top Ice Hockey Pages