Canadiens vs Lightning Prediction, Picks & Odds for Wednesday's NHL Playoffs Game 5

Luc LeBlanc - Betting Editor at Covers.com
Luc LeBlanc • Content Editor 3+ years betting experience
Updated: Apr 28, 2026 , 06:54 PM ET • 3 min read

LeBlanc's prediction: Suzuki continues to rack up the apples.

NHL

Match starts: 23 hrs
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EXPERT PICK - PROP
Nick Suzuki o0.5  Assists (-150) Nick Suzuki o0.5 Assists (-150)
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 Montreal Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki (14) plays the puck.
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Montreal Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki (14) plays the puck.

The Montreal Canadiens head back to the Sunshine State for Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, April 29.

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 expect the Canadiens' usual suspects to rise to the occasion, along with some timely help by way of secondary scoring.

Canadiens vs Lightning Game 5 prediction

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.

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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 o0.5 Assists
  • Lane Hutson o1.5 Shots on Goal
  • Zachary Bolduc o1.5 Shots on Goal

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 have 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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Luc LeBlanc
Content Editor

Luc has been passionate about sports since he was a child, playing competitive hockey and staying closely tuned to professional leagues. Today, he brings that same energy to his work as a Content Editor, covering NHL games, player props, and betting trends with a sharp, analytical eye.

Since 2023, Luc has been writing picks and analysis for various publications, helping readers discover value in several major sports. While hockey is his specialty, he also closely follows tennis, keeping up with both the ATP and WTA Tours.

A graduate of Saint Mary’s University (BSc, Geography, 2025), Luc approaches sports betting the way he approaches maps and statistics by looking for patterns, trends, and angles that give him an edge. He focuses on research-backed and well-informed picks, spotting correlations, and finding the best opportunities in player props and game markets.

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