Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction & Picks - NHL
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by Taavi Pailk | in NHL Picks
The Tampa Bay Lightning look to grab the series lead for the first time against the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday at Benchmark International Arena.
In an incredibly tight series, which has seen three of four games go past regulation, the Canadiens have held the lead twice. But the Lightning have shown impressive resilience in overcoming adversity. Their defense has tightened up, and Brandon Hagel looks unstoppable up front.
Tampa Bay found itself facing a 3-1 deficit on Monday night in Montreal before Hagel produced two third-period goals to help his team to a 3-2 victory. He has become the first player in Lightning history to score six goals through his first four games of a postseason campaign.
The Canadiens are also struggling to contain Jake Guentzel’s playmaking. He has recorded six assists in the series, including four on the power play. Montreal has held the edge in special teams, but Guentzel’s efforts have provided the Lightning with a spark on the man advantage.
Coming back twice in the series will build confidence within the Lightning camp, and there’s a chance the team will receive a further boost on Wednesday with the return of Victor Hedman. After missing a month of action due to illness and personal reasons, the Lightning captain logged a full practice on Tuesday.
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Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens Form
Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens Latest Matches
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Tampa Bay Lightning against Montreal Canadiens : Head to Head (H2H)
33 %
67 %
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Players list
J. Johansson
A. Vasilevskiy
M. Crozier
J. Moser
E. Lilleberg
R. McDonagh
E. Cernak
D. Raddysh
C. Perry
G. Goncalves
C. Geekie
D. James
Z. Girgensons
N. Kucherov
Y. Gourde
B. Hagel
J. Guentzel
A. Cirelli
B. Point
O. Bjorkstrand
J. Dobes
J. Fowler
K. Guhle
J. Struble
L. Hutson
A. Xhekaj
A. Carrier
M. Matheson
C. Caufield
A. Newhook
K. Dach
J. Evans
Z. Bolduc
J. Slafkovsky
A. Texier
N. Suzuki
P. Danault
J. Anderson
B. Gallagher
I. Demidov
Most goals and assists
Tampa Bay Lightning
Montreal Canadiens
C. Caufield
(57 Goals)
N. Suzuki
(84 Assists)
Tampa Bay Lightning - Montreal Canadiens Key Points
- Tampa Bay looks dangerous in attack, with Brandon Hagel leading the postseason in goals and Jake Guentzel tied for the second-most assists.
- The Lightning have limited the Canadiens to six even-strength goals in the series.
- Montreal scored three of its five power-play goals in Game 1.
- After a strong start in the series, Jakub Dobes has seen his save percentage decline to .865 over the last two games.
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Our Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction
While the series is tied at two and Montreal still has a good chance of advancing to the next round, Tampa Bay currently sits firmly in the driver’s seat. They will have gained valuable momentum from Monday’s comeback win and will look to produce a strong home performance in Game 5.
The Canadiens' power play has been highly influential in the matchup, but its impact has started to fade. Their star players are struggling at even strength -- Lane Hutson, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky have combined for just one even-strength point.
Our prediction for Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens: Lightning to win in regulation.
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