The Montreal Canadiens are back in the Sunshine State to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in tonight's Game 5, with the series tied 2-2.
This juggernaut Atlantic Division series has become a best-of-three, with both teams snagging a crucial road win.
My Canadiens vs. Lightning predictions and NHL picks for tonight's game expect Montreal's usual suspects to rise to the occasion, with timely help from secondary scoring.
- UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5 prediction
Who will win Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5?
Montreal: This game may be the biggest toss-up of the series. The Habs were one of the best road teams during the regular season, and will be extra hungry after letting a two-goal lead slip away in Game 4.
Canadiens vs Lightning best bet: Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 assists (-150)
Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki has been one of the league's best playmakers all season and has registered four assists through four games in this series.
He's garnered 11 apples in 12 April games, and his 72 assists in the regular season ranked fifth in the entire league.
The 101-point scorer has 10 assists in his last nine road games and will be heavily relied upon in a pivotal Game 5 in Tampa Bay. Perhaps his connecting with Cole Caufield for a goal in Game 4 will finally open the floodgates for the Habs' top line.
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Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5 same-game parlay
Lane Hutson has seemingly kicked into another gear in the absence of Noah Dobson.
The sophomore blue liner has compiled 10 shots on goal this series — more than he had in his previous 11 games combined. He's played over 26 minutes in every game of the series, peaking at 32:00 in Game 2.
He's everywhere, all the time, and has been firing on all cylinders this series.
Apart from the likely heroes in Suzuki, Hutson, and company, the Habs have welcomed some very timely secondary scoring. Zachary Bolduc has three points in this series and has fired seven shots on goal in his last three games.
The Quebecer makes up one-third of a formidable third line alongside Kirby Dach and Oliver Kapanen. At plus-odds, there's some serious value in a young, hometown kid making his presence felt.
Canadiens vs Lightning SGP
- Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 assists
- Lane Hutson Over 1.5 shots
- Zachary Bolduc Over 1.5 shots
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5 goal scorer pick
Lane Hutson (+475)
Hutson already has two goals in this series, including that unforgettable overtime winner in Game 3. He rang one off the post in the dying seconds of Game 2, putting the Habs inches away from a commanding series lead.
Expect the defenseman to be wreaking havoc in the offensive zone tonight.
Canadiens vs Lightning odds for Game 5
- Moneyline: Canadiens +140 | Lightning -160
- Puck Line: Canadiens +1.5 (-180) | Lightning -1.5 (+155)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)
Canadiens vs Lightning trend
Each of the last five games between these teams has been decided by a goal, with three needing extra time. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Lightning.
How to watch Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5
| Location | Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL |
| Date | Wednesday, April 29, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, truTV, CBC |
Canadiens vs Lightning latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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