- UPDATE: Added a goal scorer + who will win prediction.
Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs ends tonight when the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning face off in Game 7 at Amalie Arena.
My Canadiens vs. Lightning predictions and NHL picks focus on Habs defenseman Lane Hutson, who has been the offensive motor for Montreal throughout this series.
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 7 prediction
Who will win Canadiens vs Lightning Game 7?
Montreal: Although the Lightning narrowly avoided elimination in Game 6 with an overtime win, Tampa Bay has failed to win two straight playoff games since the 2022 Conference Finals — a span of 28 consecutive contests.
The Habs are the younger, faster team and will come out hungry in Game 7.
Canadiens vs Lightning best bet: Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists (-125)
Lane Hutson’s five points are tied for the team lead so far this postseason, and the Montreal Canadiens blueliner will add to his assist totals in Game 7.
The Habs have controlled nearly 53% of expected goals at 5-on-5 with Hutson on the ice — the sixth-best mark among all Montreal skaters — while his 5.01 on-ice expected goals are tops on the team. In short, Hutson has arguably been the Canadiens’ best player at generating scoring chances.
Hutson has found the score sheet in all three road games against the Tampa Bay Lightning in this series, including a helper in two of those contests.
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Canadiens vs Lightning Game 7 same-game parlay
The Lightning and Canadiens have combined for Under 5.5 goals in every meeting this series outside of Game 1. It’ll be another tight, low-scoring battle in Game 7.
Brandon Hagel has found the scoresheet in five of six contests and co-leads all skaters in the series with eight points. He also ranks second on Tampa Bay in ice time per game (25:21).
Canadiens vs Lightning SGP
- Under 5.5
- Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists
- Brandon Hagel Over 0.5 points
Canadiens vs Lightning Game 7 goal scorer pick
Juraj Slafkovsky (+220)
Juraj Slafkovsky scored a hat trick in Game 1 but has been held off the score sheet since then. That’ll change on Sunday.
Slafkovsky leads the Habs in shots (17), high-danger chances (14), and individual expected goals (3.58) – that’s nearly double Ivan Demidov, who ranks second (1.92).
The Canadiens winger has been snake bitten but is due to find the back of the net.
Canadiens vs Lightning odds for Game 7
- Moneyline: Canadiens +130 | Lightning -150
- Puck Line: Canadiens +1.5 (-215) | Lightning -1.5 (+175)
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+130) | Under 5.5 (-150)
Canadiens vs Lightning trend
Montreal is 8-2 SU in its last 10 road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Lightning.
How to watch Canadiens vs Lightning Game 7
| Location | Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL |
| Date | Sunday, May 3, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
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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