The Montreal Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning in an Atlantic Division heavyweight bout on Thursday, April 9.
This potential playoff matchup is perhaps the most important game of the season for both teams, with the division title up for grabs.
My Lightning vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks suggest that Cole Caufield, laden with the ever-looming 50-goal plateau, will find other ways to hit the scoresheet in front of the Bell Centre faithful.
Lightning vs Canadiens prediction
Lightning vs Canadiens best bet: Cole Caufield Over 0.5 assists (+100)
The elephant in the room regarding Cole Caufield has overshadowed a particularly generous stretch for the Montreal Canadiens' 25-year-old.
He's racked up three assists in three games since his latest tally, and 10 over his last 12 games. This plus-odds pricing is perhaps as egregious as his Olympic omission.
Caufield's natural goal-scoring ability outshines his playmaking, but he’s tied his career-high assist total and has been playing at a 68-assist pace since mid-March.
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Lightning vs Canadiens same-game parlay
Rookie sensation Ivan Demidov is quickly becoming a focal point of the Canadiens' stacked offense, only one year removed from his contract signing late last season.
The 20-year-old has a point in seven of his last eight games, notably racking up a power-play point (+215) in four of them. He leads all rookies with 61 points.
On the topic of red-hot Habs rookies, Jakub Dobes has been the best goaltender in the league over the last month. He's won six straight games and boasts an astounding 28-8-4 record.
Dobes has allowed three goals or fewer in 11 consecutive starts, holding Tampa to a lone goal as he stopped 36 of 37 shots on March 31.
Lightning vs Canadiens SGP
- Cole Caufield Over 0.5 assists
- Ivan Demidov Over 0.5 points
- Tampa Bay Under 3.5 goals
Lightning vs Canadiens odds
- Moneyline: Lightning -115 | Canadiens -105
- Puck Line: Lightning -1.5 (+200) | Canadiens +1.5 (-245)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)
Lightning vs Canadiens trend
The Over has hit in three of the last four head-to-head meetings. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Canadiens.
How to watch Lightning vs Canadiens
| Location | Bell Centre, Montreal, QC |
| Date | Thursday, April 9, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | The Spot, TSN2 |
Lightning vs Canadiens 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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