The Tampa Bay Lightning (21-13-3) host the Montreal Canadiens (20-12-5) at Benchmark International Arena on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The Lightning have won three straight games.
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Prepare for this showdown with a look at who we project to emerge with the victory in Sunday's game.
The Canadiens have totaled 34 goals during their last 10 games, while allowing 27 goals. A total of 28 power-play opportunities during that time have resulted in seven power-play goals (25.0%). They are 5-3-2 over those games.
Lightning vs. Canadiens Predictions for Sunday
Our computer projection model for this matchup predicts a final tally of Lightning 4, Canadiens 2.
- Moneyline Pick: Lightning (-151)
- Total Pick: Over 6 (computer predicts 6.3 goals on average)
- Spread Pick: Lightning (-1.5)
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Lightning Splits and Trends
- The Lightning are 3-3-6 in overtime matchups on their way to a 21-13-3 overall record.
- In the 15 games Tampa Bay has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 6-7-2 record (good for 14 points).
- In the three games this season the Lightning recorded just one goal, they finished 0-2-1.
- Tampa Bay has finished 3-5-2 in the 10 games this season when it scored two goals (registering eight points).
- The Lightning have scored three or more goals 22 times, and are 18-4-0 in those games (to record 36 points).
- In the 12 games when Tampa Bay has recorded a single power-play goal, it has a 7-3-2 record (16 points).
- In the 17 games when it outshot its opponent, Tampa Bay is 6-9-2 (14 points).
- The Lightning have been outshot by opponents 19 times, and went 14-4-1 (29 points).
Canadiens Splits and Trends
- The Canadiens (20-12-5 overall) have posted a record of 7-5-12 in matchups that have required OT this season.
- Montreal has earned 18 points (8-4-2) in its 14 games decided by one goal.
- This season the Canadiens registered only one goal in four games and they've earned two points (1-3-0) in those contests.
- Montreal has earned four points (2-4-0 record) this season when scoring a pair of goals .
- The Canadiens have earned 39 points in their 26 games with three or more goals scored.
- Montreal has scored a lone power-play goal in 11 games this season and has registered 14 points from those matchups.
- When it outshoots its opponent this season, Montreal has posted a record of 7-6-1 (15 points).
- The Canadiens have been outshot by opponents in 19 games, going 10-5-4 to record 24 points.
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Team Stats Comparison
| Lightning Rank | Lightning AVG | Canadiens AVG | Canadiens Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th | 3.27 | Goals Scored | 3.27 | 7th |
| 3rd | 2.59 | Goals Allowed | 3.27 | 23rd |
| 20th | 27.5 | Shots | 25.4 | 28th |
| 6th | 26.5 | Shots Allowed | 27.3 | 11th |
| 25th | 16.39% | Power Play % | 25.96% | 5th |
| 2nd | 84.8% | Penalty Kill % | 77.69% | 22nd |
Lightning vs. Canadiens Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
- Where: Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida
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