The Tampa Bay Lightning (15-5-4) have collected a maximum six points in their last three games but remain in the Atlantic Division’s third spot. They’ll look to gain ground Tuesday night when they visit the Montreal Canadiens (6-17-3), who have lost three in a row and are buried in the Atlantic basement.
- Date/Time: December 7, 7 p.m. ET
- Arena: Bell Centre
- TV Coverage: TSN2, RDS, BSSUN
- Sportsbook Odds: Lightning -185 | O/U 5.5 (Line History)
- Lightning vs Canadiens Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
Given how these teams have played of late, it’s no surprise Tampa Bay is heavily favored. Montreal has lost its last two home games, subtracting home-ice advantage as a factor. There’s some decent value on the OVER at -110 considering the total has gone OVER 5.5 goals in three of the Habs’ last six games.
Tampa Bay News & Notes
It’s frightening to think how well this team has played without superstar Nikita Kucherov. You may think it’s all about the offense for Tampa Bay, but a sturdy defensive unit has been the key to early-season success.
It all starts with Andrei Vasilevskiy, who boasts one of the best save percentages in the league (.927). On the blue line, Victor Hedman has excelled at both ends of the ice, contributing to Tampa Bay’s excellent defensive record and scoring 26 points to lead NHL defensemen.
The game will provide Mikhail Sergachev with yet another chance to prove that the Canadiens made a mistake shipping him to Tampa Bay. The rearguard has been a steady presence on the Lightning’s third pairing.
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Montreal News & Notes
It has all gone wrong for the Habs and it cost Marc Bergevin his job. New vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton must find a new GM quickly, though it appears safe to say the Canadiens will not reach the playoffs this year.
There is plenty of time to turn things around but no recent evidence to suggest they might be able to do that. The Canadiens have conceded the most goals in the league (93, tied with Arizona) and this does not bode well with the offensively adept Lightning coming to town.
The offense is also among the worst in the league and has taken another hit with Tyler Toffoli due to miss a few weeks, joining a lengthy Montreal injury list. Toffoli leads the Habs with 17 points in 26 games.
How Tampa Bay Will Win
The Lightning have no problem scoring goals on the road, popping seven in Philadelphia in their last game, and now go up against the worst defense in the league. Brian Elliott got the start against the Flyers, leaving Andrei Vasilevskiy as the logical choice here.
How Montreal Will Win
The Canadiens’ struggles to score will only get worse with Tyler Toffoli out of the lineup. They will likely be facing a rested Andrei Vasilevskiy in this one, making matters that much more difficult. This rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup Final is looking like a brutal one for the Canadiens.
Computer Pick: Lightning -210
- Best Spread+113-133TB-1.5+1.5MON
- Best Moneyline-223+199TBMON
- Best Total+119-131Over5.55.5Under
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Buy Sports Picks Now- Tampa Bay is 8-1 in its last 9 vs Montreal.
- Tampa Bay is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games.
- Montreal is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 hosting Tampa Bay.
