Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 04/19/26

The Montreal Canadiens will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs on Sunday. The Canadiens finished the season 4^th in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens also had the best form away from home with 56 points through 41 away games, averaging 3.40 goals per game while allowing 3.06 goals per game. The Canadiens managed to score despite ranking 24^th in total shots, partly due to 56 goals on the power play. This incredible power play unit could come up big in this series as the Lightning rank 3^rd for most power play opportunities against them.

For the Lightning, they finished 3^rd in the Eastern Conference, averaging 3.49 goals per game while allowing just 2.79 goals per game. The defense for the Lightning has been huge this year, allowing only 229 goals all season. Overall, this should be a great series between teams that split the regular season series. In this one, I am trusting the Canadiens offense to get the best of the Lightning defense with the power play having an impact and taking the Canadiens on the money line.

Canadiens vs. Lightning Prediction: Montreal Canadiens ML (+160) available at the time of publishing. Playable to that number.

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook, check out bet365, the world’s #1 sportsbook. They have an amazing sign-up offer where you can INSTANTLY receive $200 in bonus bets from a $10 wager, regardless of whether that bet wins or loses! There’s no catch, it’s really that simple. Join Bet365 right now ⏰ in time to fade or follow our experts’ Canadiens vs Lightning predictions.