The Montreal Canadiens will look to extend their Atlantic Division lead when they take on the slumping Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. The Habs have historically fared well against the Lightning, winning six of the past seven meetings between the two clubs.
This contest kicks off a five-game home stand for the Lightning, which is a sign of relief with the team posting an 8-10-2 record away from Amalie Arena. Health has been a big issue for Tampa over the past month but it may be looking up, as six injured players practised Wednesday and will likely be in the lineup either against Montreal on Wednesday or Toronto on Thursday.
Things are quite the opposite for the Habs, as five players – including Alex Galchenyuk and Andrei Markov – did not travel with the team for their upcoming six-game road trip. Playing outside the Bell Centre hasn’t been very kind to Montreal, as the team has gone just 6-6-2 on the road while failing to win back-to-back games while traveling since the end of October.
Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Tampa Bay will face the 21-9-4 Canadiens. In totals betting, the Lightning are 16-14-5 in over under betting so far this season while the Montreal Canadiens are 13-14-7. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Tampa Bay vs Montreal injuries news.
The Odds Shark NHL Power Rankings have the Tampa Bay Lightning at No. 14 and the Montreal Canadiens at No. 5 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Tampa Bay Lightning No. 9-ranked offense (2.86 goals per game) against a Montreal Canadiens defense that ranks No. 5 at 2.24 goals per game allowed. The Lightning Sportsbook has clicked at a 22.83% rate while the Canadiens have a 81.75% rate on the penalty kill.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Last time out for Montreal, they were a 2-1 loser as they battled the Blue Jackets on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Blue Jackets at -153 were rewarded, while the 3 combined goals moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.
Tampa Bay was a 4-0 loser in its last match on the road against the Capitals. They lost as +205 underdogs, while the total score of 4 made Sportsbooks of UNDER bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Montreal at Florida, Thursday, December 29th
Tampa Bay home to Toronto, Thursday, December 29th