Sport Bilder des Tages April 21, 2022, Tampa, Florida, USA: Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov 86 celebrates his goal beating Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Erik Kallgren 50 during second period action at Amalie Arena on Thursday, April 21, 2022 in Tampa. Tampa USA - ZUMAs70_ 0156605613st Copyright: xDirkxShaddx
Sport Bilder des Tages April 21, 2022, Tampa, Florida, USA: Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov 86 celebrates his goal beating Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Erik Kallgren 50 during second period action at Amalie Arena on Thursday, April 21, 2022 in Tampa. Tampa USA - ZUMAs70_ 0156605613st Copyright: xDirkxShaddx
The NHL playoffs have already started and are set for another high-voltage clash between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens.
The two teams will take on each other on April 19, 2026, at the Benchmark International Arena. Both teams finished the regular season with identical 106-point campaigns.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens Playoff Game Preview
The identical point sets up an evenly matched showdown, with both teams looking to start well in the NHL playoffs. The Tampa Bay Lightning will be led by Nikita Kucherov and well supported by Brayden Point and Brandon Hagel.
They continue to rely on their high-powered offense and structured defensive system.
On the other hand, the Montreal Canadiens have become one of the most thrilling young teams this season. The team’s first line of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovsky has been responsible for much of the team’s scoring this year.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens: Head-to-Head
Overall, both teams played 142 games against each other. The Tampa Bay Lightning have a 75-54-6-7 record (54.9%) against the Montreal Canadiens.
The two teams have faced each other four times in the playoffs. The Lightning lead the playoff series 3-1. The Lightning had a 2-2-0 record against the Canadiens this season. In the last 2 games, the Canadiens won the encounters, 4-1 and 2-1 on March 31 and April 09 respectively.
Players to Watch Out For
Nikita Kucherov led the side with 130 points this season. He will play a key role for the Lightning against the Canadiens. His elite playmaking, scoring ability, vision, creativity, and consistent offensive dominance in big games will help the team’s cause.
The Canadiens will rely on Cole Caufield to counter any threat from the Lightning. Cole Caufield is known for his elite goal-scoring, quick-release shot, speed, and clutch offensive performances.
Injury Report
The Montreal Canadiens will miss Patrik Laine due to injury, while Noah Dobson is also out. For the Tampa Bay Lightning, Victor Hedman and Pontus Holmberg are day-to-day, and another player remains on injured reserve.
Fans can expect a fast-paced, physical, and emotionally charged series that could easily go the distance. In a matchup this evenly balanced, every shift will matter, and every mistake could prove costly.
Who are you backing in this Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens encounter?
Read more at the NHL Fan Central!
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi