Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Betting Pick & Prediction for 3/31

bangthebook nhl game preview

The Montreal Canadiens are set to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The game will take place at the Benchmark International Arena and will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Canadiens, with a record of 42-21-10, are aiming to improve their standing in the Eastern Atlantic Division.

On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Lightning hold a record of 46-21-6. They currently sit at the top of the Eastern Atlantic Division. With both teams in the same division, this game could impact their rankings. Fans can expect an exciting game between these two teams.

Canadiens vs Lightning Game Day Info

  • Sport: NHL
  • Teams: Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
  • Venue: Benchmark International Arena
  • Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
  • Betting Odds: Montreal Canadiens Puck Line +1.5 (-174), Tampa Bay Lightning Puck Line -1.5 (+141), Montreal Canadiens MoneyLine +145, Tampa Bay Lightning MoneyLine -172, Over/Under 6.5

Montreal Canadiens Team Preview

The Montreal Canadiens have been on a winning streak. They recently won five games in a row. In their last game, they defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1. Nick Suzuki was key with two goals and an assist.

The Canadiens have shown strong defense. They had 32 blocks in their recent game against the Hurricanes. Their goalie, Jacob Fowler, has been reliable, making 23 saves against Nashville Predators in another victory.

Offensively, the Canadiens are doing well. Cole Caufield has been a top performer with a hat trick against the New York Islanders. In that game, Montreal scored three power-play goals, showing their strength in special teams.

Tampa Bay Lightning Team Preview

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been performing well in recent games. They have won three of their last five games. In their latest game, they won 3-2 against the Nashville Predators.

Top players like Jake Guentzel and Brandon Hagel have been key. Guentzel has consistently contributed with goals and assists. Hagel also made an impact with goals in the recent wins.

Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has played a crucial role. He made 26 saves in the game against the Ottawa Senators. Despite not having shutouts, his saves have helped the team secure wins.

BTB Betting Pick

The Tampa Bay Lightning are favored to win against the Montreal Canadiens with a moneyline of -172. The Canadiens are the underdogs at +145. Given the Lightning’s strong performance in goals and assists, they are likely to secure a win. The projected score is 4-3 in favor of Tampa Bay.

The total for the game is set at 6.5, with the odds favoring the under at -124. Both teams have shown the ability to score, but the projected score is 4-3, totaling 7. This suggests taking the over at +101 could be a good choice.