Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction, Odds and Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 3 Picks for Today, 04/24/26

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens gear up for Game 3 of their first-round series. What an electric series this has been, as each game has gone to overtime, with each team claiming a win. Will Game 3 bring us intense drama yet again? Here is our Lightning vs. Canadiens prediction to get you set for the must-watch playoff action.

For years, the Bell Centre has proven to be one of the most electrifying buildings, especially in the playoffs. I expect full legs from Montreal, but I see Tampa Bay coming out with this one. After a shaky Game 1, Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy was dominant in Game 2, stopping 25 of 27 shots. This is not a player the Canadiens can afford to let get hot.

In overtime of Game 2, Tampa Bay showed pure dominance, outshooting Montreal 8-0 in the frame and absolutely owing puck possession. This obviously won’t continue, but it’s a high the Lightning will chase throughout the rest of the series. Tampa Bay has had a well-balanced attack with most players chipping in offensively, and this is with star Brayden Point having 0 points in the series. This goes to show their elite depth. Make no mistake, this series is far from over, but riding some momentum and an increased level of confidence should carry Tampa Bay to win this game. Take Tampa Bay on the money line for our Lightning vs. Canadiens prediction.

Lightning vs Canadiens prediction: Tampa Bay ML (-120) available at time of publishing. Playable to -135.

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