Tampa Bay Lightning vs
Montreal CanadiensPredictions & Preview

Tampa Bay Lightning Favored to Beat Montreal Canadiens in Key Matchup Before Break

The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to take on the Montreal Canadiens in a key matchup as both teams look to make improvements before the break. The Lightning hold a solid 30-20-4 record, ranking third in the Atlantic Division, while the Canadiens have struggled with a 25-25-5 record, second-worst in the division. The Lightning are favored to win, opening at -145 and currently sitting at -162. For more insights and predictions on this game, check out our NHL Predictions.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Lightning -162 | Canadiens +140
• Spread: Lightning -1.5 (+152) | Canadiens +1.5 (-178)
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Tampa Bay will win straight-up is 62%.

Tampa Bay vs Montreal Stats

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are having a successful season, with their offense leading the way by scoring an impressive 3.49 goals per game. Key players such as Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Brandon Hagel have been instrumental in the team's success, combining for 78 goals and 113 assists. Other members of the team, including Jake Guentzel, Anthony Cirelli, and Nick Paul, have also made significant contributions to the offense. On the defensive side, players like Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh have been crucial in limiting opponents to an average of 2.75 goals per game. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has been exceptional with a .918 save percentage and a 2.28 goals-against average. The Lightning are currently ranked 3rd in offense, 10th in defense, and hold a power ranking of 4 with a season record of 30-20-4.

Montreal Canadiens Analysis

The Montreal Canadiens are experiencing a challenging season with their offense struggling to score at a rate of 2.93 goals per game. While Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have shown strong performances with 41 goals and 60 assists, the rest of the offensive unit has faced difficulties. The team's offense is considered top-heavy with only five skaters having 11 goals or more, making it easier for opponents to neutralize their scoring threats.

On the defensive end, the Canadiens have been allowing an average of 3.39 goals per game, contributing to their ranking of #30 in the league for defense. While players like Mike Matheson and Lane Hutson have made contributions, the defense as a whole has struggled, giving opponents ample opportunities to take shots on goal.

However, goaltender Jakub Dobes has been a standout performer with a save percentage of .917 and a goals-against average of 2.45. Despite the team's challenges on both offense and defense, Dobes has managed to make crucial saves and keep the Canadiens competitive.

Overall, the Montreal Canadiens have a power ranking of 15 and a record of 25-25-5. In their recent matchups against Tampa Bay, the Canadiens went 1-2-0.

Tampa Bay Lightning Poised for Victory Against Montreal Canadiens on the Road

The Montreal Canadiens are looking to secure a victory on their home ice against the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are currently excelling this season. The Lightning, with an impressive average of 3.49 goals per game, are expected to dominate both offensively and defensively in this matchup. Key players such as Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point are anticipated to lead the charge in creating scoring opportunities with precise passing plays. Furthermore, the Lightning's solid defensive unit, including Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh, should effectively stifle the Canadiens' offense, which averages 2.93 goals per game. With goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy poised to make crucial saves, the Lightning are poised for a strong performance and likely victory on the road. Therefore, it is advisable to consider betting on the Lightning as the favored team to emerge victorious.

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