Montreal Canadiens Summary

The Montreal Canadiens are set to begin their first-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Both teams finished the regular season with 106 points, but the Lightning secured the second seed in the Atlantic Division due to more regulation victories.

The series will start at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, where the schedule includes Game 2 on April 21, followed by Games 3 and 4 at the Bell Centre in Montreal on April 24 and April 26, respectively.

Brendan Gallagher, a key player for the Canadiens, is hopeful to return for Game 1 after missing several games, which could provide a significant boost to the team's morale and performance. Historically, this matchup is significant as it marks a rematch of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, where the Lightning triumphed in five games.

As Canadian teams seek to end a 32-year Stanley Cup drought, the Canadiens, alongside the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators, are aiming to bring the championship back to Canada, with the Canadiens being the last Canadian team to win the Cup in 1993.

The Canadiens and Lightning split their four-game season series, setting the stage for an exciting playoff showdown, though both teams enter the series with shaky finishes to the regular season. According to CBS Sports, the Lightning are favored in the playoff matchup, with betting odds ranging from -235 to -260.