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Tampa Bay (48-24-6) at Montreal (46-22-10)
- When: Apr 9 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC, CAN
- TV: The Spot
Tampa Bay vs Montreal NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Tampa Bay -122
Spread: Tampa Bay -1.5 (+205)
Total: 6.5
Montreal Canadiens: Comeback Kings Energy
Montreal does not believe in easy wins. They prefer drama, stress, and last-minute heroics that make bettors question everything. Nick Suzuki is leading the chaos with 96 points, casually tying games with seconds left like it is part of the game plan.
Ivan Demidov, the rookie with 61 points, is out here creating offense from nothing, which is great because sometimes structure is optional. Jakub Dobes is holding things together in net, and somehow this team keeps finding ways to win even when they look like they forgot how hockey works for two periods.
They just beat Florida in a shootout after another late comeback. Confidence is high, heart rate is higher.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Identity Crisis Hockey
Tampa Bay is technically a contender. On paper. In reality, they are currently playing like a team that misplaced its playoff identity somewhere between Buffalo and Ottawa.
Nikita Kucherov is still producing with a four-game point streak, because of course he is. Corey Perry and Nick Paul are contributing, but the team keeps collapsing at the worst possible times. You blink and suddenly they have allowed three goals in seven minutes.
Coach Jon Cooper basically said what everyone is thinking. Yes, they are a playoff team. No, they are not playing like one. Not ideal timing.
Prediction
Tampa Bay sits at -122 with a total of 6.5, which feels like the books are politely ignoring current form.
Montreal has momentum, clutch scoring, and home ice. Tampa has talent, but right now also has trust issues. This is the perfect setup for an upset that makes you feel like a genius.
Expect another tight game with late drama, because Montreal refuses to win any other way.
Score Prediction: Canadiens 4 Lightning 3
Pick: Montreal ML (+102)
Total: Over 6.5 (-103)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
