Canadiens vs. Lightning Prediction & Picks - NHL Playoffs First Round Game

Tuesday's playoff slate features the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Montreal Canadiens for Game 2 of the NHL Playoffs First Round, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The Canadiens lead the series 1-0. The Lightning have -191 odds on the moneyline against the Canadiens (+158).

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Before watching this matchup, here's a glimpse at which club we predict will emerge with the victory in Tuesday's NHL Playoffs First Round action.

Canadiens vs. Lightning Predictions for Tuesday

Our computer model for this matchup expects a final tally of Lightning 4, Canadiens 3.

• Moneyline Pick: Lightning (-191)
• Total Pick: Over 6 (computer predicts 6.5 goals on average)
• Spread Pick: Canadiens (+1.5)

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Lightning Splits and Trends

• The Lightning have gone 10-7-17 in overtime games to contribute to an overall record of 50-26-6.
• Tampa Bay has 27 points (11-10-5) in the 26 games it has played that were decided by one goal.
• The nine times this season the Lightning finished a game with only one goal, they went 2-6-1 (five points).
• Tampa Bay has scored a pair of goals in 19 games this season (5-11-3 record, 13 points).
• The Lightning are 43-7-3 in the 53 games when they have scored three or more goals (to record 89 points).
• In the 27 games when Tampa Bay has scored a single power-play goal, it registered 35 points after finishing 16-8-3.
• When it has outshot opponents, Tampa Bay is 27-13-6 (60 points).
• The Lightning have been outshot by opponents in 35 games, going 21-13-1 to register 43 points.

Canadiens Splits and Trends

• The Canadiens have a record of 48-24-10 this season and are 15-10-25 in overtime games.
• Montreal has earned 45 points (20-6-5) in its 31 games decided by one goal.
• This season the Canadiens scored just one goal in five games and they've earned two points (1-4-0) in those contests.
• Montreal has nine points (4-8-1) when scoring two goals this season.
• The Canadiens have earned 97 points in their 61 games with at least three goals scored.
• This season, Montreal has scored a lone power-play goal in 27 games and picked up 41 points with a record of 20-6-1.
• When outshooting its opponent this season, Montreal is 17-15-2 (36 points).
• The Canadiens' opponents have had more shots in 45 games. The Canadiens went 29-8-8 in those contests (66 points).

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Team Stats Comparison

Canadiens vs. Lightning Game Time and TV Channel

• When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: ESPN2
• Where: Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida

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