The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning face off on Saturday in an NHL showdown at Amalie Arena. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Canadiens vs Lightning prediction.
Lightning Suddenly Struggling
The Lightning are suddenly struggling and they have lost two games in a row. Two games ago against the Philadelphia Flyers they were defeated 6-2 and in the last game against the Buffalo Sabres they were beaten 3-2 in overtime. The Lightning are averaging 3.36 goals while their defense is giving up 3.39 goals per game. The offense is ranked 8th in the league while the defense is ranked 25th. Nikita Kucherov has scored 38 goal and added 66 assists so far this season.
How Do the Canadiens Bounce Back?
The Canadiens in the last game faced off against the Florida Panthers, and they were defeated 4-3. Two games ago against the Arizona Coyotes, they were able to win 4-2, and they are going to need that defense to step up here. The Canadiens are averaging 2.76 goals, while their defense is giving up 3.5 goals per game. The offense is ranked 27th, while the defense is ranked 27th. Nick Suzuki has scored 24 goals and added 35 assists so far this season. There are three players that have at have put up at least 40 points. If the Canadiens fall behind in the first period here, I think they would really struggle to come back.
Tampa Bay Lightning Team Facts
- The Lightning have won 13 of their last 14 home games against the Canadiens.
- The Lightning have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The underdogs have won the third period in each of the Lightning’s last four games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in seven of the Lightning’s last eight home games.
Montreal Canadiens Team Facts
- The Canadiens have lost each of their last eight games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last eight games as underdogs after coming off overtime.
- The Canadiens have lost the third period in each of their last eight Saturday night games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 18 of the Canadiens’ last 19 games as underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
Canadiens vs Lightning Betting Prediction
The Lightning are suddenly struggling, but all they require is a date with the Montreal Canadiens to get back on the right track. The Lightning are averaging 3.36 goals per game, and they will have no issue running up the score against the Canadiens defense. The Canadiens’ offense hasn’t been good all season, and they are going to struggle in this game. Back the Lightning on the puck line.