NHL Betting Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens
Game Overview
The Tampa Bay Lightning (20-11-2) host the Montreal Canadiens (15-17-3) on December 29, 2024, at 3:00 PM EST at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. This Atlantic Division clash pits a dominant Lightning squad against a Canadiens team struggling on the road.
Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Lightning | -260 | -1.5 (-105) | u6.5 (EVEN) |
| Montreal Canadiens | +215 | +1.5 (-115) | o6.5 (-120) |
With the Lightning's recent dominance at home and their scoring prowess, backing Tampa Bay to cover the -1.5 puck line at -105 is a value play.
Team Analysis
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning have been on fire, led by Nikita Kucherov, who has 50 points (15 goals, 35 assists) in 33 games. Brayden Point is another key contributor with 22 goals, including 11 on the power play. Tampa Bay averages 3.94 goals per game, ranking among the NHL’s best offenses.
Defensively, Andrei Vasilevskiy is the backbone, boasting a 2.41 GAA and .911 save percentage. The Lightning’s penalty kill is solid at 80.2%, and their ability to dominate puck possession makes them a tough team to beat, especially at home.
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal's offense has been inconsistent, averaging just 2.94 goals per game. Nick Suzuki leads the team with 35 points, but their secondary scoring has been lackluster. Cole Caufield (18 goals) is their primary goal scorer but lacks the supporting cast to generate sustained offensive pressure.
Defensively, Montreal allows 3.59 goals per game, and their goaltending has been subpar. Sam Montembeault, while capable, has a .900 save percentage, and the Canadiens' defense often leaves him exposed.
Recent Performance
Tampa Bay Lightning
- 12/23/24: Defeated Florida Panthers 4-0
- 12/22/24: Lost to Florida Panthers 4-2
- 12/19/24: Defeated St. Louis Blues 3-1
- 12/17/24: Defeated Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3
- 12/14/24: Defeated Seattle Kraken 5-1
Montreal Canadiens
- 12/23/24: Lost to Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4
- 12/21/24: Defeated Detroit Red Wings 5-1
- 12/20/24: Defeated Detroit Red Wings 4-3
- 12/17/24: Defeated Buffalo Sabres 6-1
- 12/14/24: Lost to Winnipeg Jets 4-2
Head-to-Head Matchup
This is the first meeting between these teams in the 2024-25 season. Historically, the Lightning have dominated this matchup, especially at home, where their offensive depth overwhelms Montreal's shaky defense.
Betting Trends
- The Lightning are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
- Tampa Bay is 6-2 in their last eight home games.
- The Canadiens are 1-5 in their last six road games.
- Montreal is 2-8 in their last 10 games as an underdog.
- Seven of Tampa Bay’s last 10 games have gone under the total of 6.5 goals.
Prediction
With Tampa Bay’s strong home record and Montreal’s struggles on the road, the Lightning should control this game from start to finish. Their superior offensive firepower and Vasilevskiy’s reliable goaltending make them the clear favorites. The Canadiens’ defensive vulnerabilities will likely be exploited, allowing Tampa Bay to secure a multi-goal victory.
