Tampa Bay (30-20-4) at Montreal (25-25-5)
- When: Feb 9 2025, 1:00 PM
- Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, CAN
- TV: FDSSUN
Game Preview
Tampa Bay Favored on the Moneyline (-170) | Total Set at Over 6.5 (-112)
The Tampa Bay Lightning aim to wrap up a solid stretch of hockey before the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament when they face the Montreal Canadiens on Super Bowl Sunday. This will be the final meeting of the season between these Atlantic Division rivals, with Montreal surprisingly taking the first two matchups 5-2 in Tampa on Dec. 29 and 3-2 in Quebec on Jan. 21.
Tampa Bay Lightning Outlook
The Lightning are looking to flip the script against Montreal and enter the break with momentum. Tampa Bay comes off a dominant 6-3 road win over Detroit, snapping the Red Wings’ seven-game winning streak. Brandon Hagel played a key role, scoring twice to extend his recent hot streak to six goals in his last five games. With 26 goals on the season, Hagel continues to prove his value since being acquired from Chicago in 2022.
Head coach Jon Cooper has praised the chemistry between Hagel and Anthony Cirelli, a duo that continues to produce key moments. Meanwhile, Brayden Point hit the 30-goal mark for the third straight season, further solidifying Tampa’s offensive firepower. The Lightning have thrived in games where they take control early, boasting a remarkable 23-1-1 record when leading after two periods.
Montreal Canadiens Outlook
The Canadiens, who were making a push in the wild-card race, have cooled off significantly. Since their last victory over Tampa Bay, they’ve gone 1-6-1, including a 4-0 shutout loss to New Jersey on Saturday. Montreal’s offense has been inconsistent, and goaltender Sam Montembeault has struggled, losing four of his last five starts while allowing four goals on 22 shots against the Devils.
Despite the recent skid, Montreal has had Tampa Bay’s number this season. Jake Evans has been the unexpected hero, netting game-winning goals in both previous victories over the Lightning. However, the Canadiens need to rediscover their offensive rhythm if they hope to complete a season sweep.
Betting Prediction
Tampa Bay enters as the clear favorite, and for good reason. The Lightning have been strong offensively, are playing with confidence, and have a history of rebounding well after losses to inferior opponents. Meanwhile, Montreal has hit a rough patch and has struggled to generate consistent offense.
While the Canadiens have won the first two meetings, expect Tampa Bay to adjust and come out strong. Look for the Lightning’s firepower, led by Point and Hagel, to exploit Montreal’s defensive lapses. Tampa Bay should control possession and dictate the pace, leading to a comfortable win and covering the moneyline. The total at 6.5 over could be in play, as Tampa Bay’s scoring potential and Montreal’s defensive struggles suggest a higher-scoring contest.
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- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
