Tampa Bay Lightning v Montreal Canadiens: everything you need to know
Tampa Bay Lightning meet Montreal Canadiens at Benchmark International Arena, Friday 6:00am (NHL). Tampa Bay Lightning have won their last 8 games at Benchmark International Arena.
The big picture
Tampa Bay Lightning come in 6th on the ladder; Montreal Canadiens are 9th. Tampa Bay Lightning have the higher position to protect.
Tampa Bay Lightning are 10–5 in NHL 2026-27, averaging 3.7 goals for and 3.1 against.
Montreal Canadiens are 10–6 in NHL 2026-27, averaging 3.6 goals for and 3.2 against.
Form
Tampa Bay Lightning have won three of their last five and most recently beat Chicago Blackhawks 4–1.
Montreal Canadiens have won four of their last five and most recently beat Utah Mammoth 5–4.
Head to head
These sides have met 116 times on our records since 2000: Tampa Bay Lightning 63, Montreal Canadiens 51, 2 drawn.
Last time out (2025-26, Postseason), Montreal Canadiens won 2–1 at Benchmark International Arena.
Biggest margin between these two: Tampa Bay Lightning by 6 goals in 2014-15 (7–1).
Players to watch
For Tampa Bay Lightning, watch Jake Guentzel (8 goals, 7 assists in 2026-27) and Brandon Hagel (8 goals, 9 assists in 2026-27).
For Montreal Canadiens, watch Cole Caufield (11 goals, 4 assists in 2026-27) and Josh Anderson (7 goals, 3 assists in 2026-27).
At Benchmark International Arena
Tampa Bay Lightning have won 15 of their last 22 at Benchmark International Arena.
Montreal Canadiens have won 3 of 4 at Benchmark International Arena.
The deeper numbers
Tampa Bay Lightning have won their last 8 games at Benchmark International Arena.
What the numbers say
On form, ladder and history, Tampa Bay Lightning have the edge.
Written automatically from Lineball's own match and player database. Not betting advice.
