Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (Dec 9)
Calendar icon Published 09 Dec 06:54

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (Dec 9)

Juan Pablo Aravena Juan Pablo Aravena
Moneyline PickMontreal Canadiens
Player PropNick Suzuki 1+ points
Same Game ParlayUnder 5.5 goals + Nikita Kucherov +1 points + Nick Suzuki 1+ points
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Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Main Match Info

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Moneyline Prediction

The Canadiens are coming off a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues and haven’t won in regulation since Nov. 28, when they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1. However, there are several reasons to believe Montreal should return to winning ways in this meeting

First off, they’ll be playing at home and are more rested than their rivals. The Canadiens’ last outing was at the Bell Centre on Sunday, meaning they’ve had nearly two days to prepare for this contest without extensive travelling. The Lightning are going through the opposite, as they played Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs and lost 2-0. Playing back-to-back on the road is never easy.

Tampa Bay’s recent woes are also a sizable issue that simply can’t be overlooked. The defeat against Toronto means the Bolts are now riding a four-game losing skid, but perhaps even more worrying is the fact that they’ve gone two straight encounters without scoring. 

They’ve conceded 10 goals during their ongoing losing streak, and the absence of star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy makes things even more complicated for them. Considering all those factors, as well as the tiredness associated with the constant travelling, it’s easy to see why the Canadiens are the favourites here, even if their recent record is nothing spectacular (W5, L4, OT1).

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Player Prop

Suzuki has gone three straight games without scoring a goal for the Canadiens, but the star centre always finds a way to get on the scoresheet. He was credited with an assist in the 4-3 loss to the Blues on Sunday, and that helper extended an impressive stretch. 

Suzuki has now recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine appearances, tallying 11 points (four goals, seven assists) during that span.

Plus, the Canadiens’ first line of Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky has been playing better and better as the season has progressed. 

They should feast against a tired Lightning defence that won’t have their starting goaltender guarding the pipes. Look for Suzuki to continue his hot streak of production with at least one point here.

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Same Game Parlay

For our three-game parlay, we’re backing a low-scoring matchup that should see two of the biggest stars on the ice – Kucherov and Suzuki – leave their mark.

The Lightning won’t be held scoreless for a third straight outing, but this still feels like a spot where the under could hit in the goals market. 

Three of the Bolts’ losses during their ongoing run have produced under 5.5 goals, and given their tired legs on the second leg of a back-to-back set, this could very well be the case again.

The Canadiens will rely on Suzuki for production, but if the Lightning are looking to take something out of this clash, they’ll need Kucherov to be at his best. The winger returned in Monday’s loss to Toronto, and even though he went pointless, it’s worth noting that Kucherov has 20 points in his last 12 contests. That’s an impressive record, especially considering the team’s recent struggles.

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Team News

Montreal Canadiens Team News

The Canadiens are sweating on the fitness of star goaltender Sam Montembeault, who’s a game-time call for this contest due to an illness. The rest of the injured players won’t be available for this encounter and will be sidelined for several more weeks.

The list includes Kirby Dach (foot), Kaiden Guhle (lower body), Patrik Laine (abdomen), and Alex Newhook (ankle). The absences of Newhook and Laine are particularly significant, as both would have been steady contributors on offence had they been healthy.

Tampa Bay Lightning Team News

The Lightning recovered Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point in Monday’s loss to the Maple Leafs. However, they’re without their starting goaltender, Vasilevskiy, who will be sidelined for at least a week due to an undisclosed injury.

Curtis Douglas and Dominic James are dealing with undisclosed injuries as well, and both are game-time calls. Ryan McDonaugh (undisclosed) and Erik Cernak (undisclosed) are out and won’t be available on Tuesday. Both players are slated to return at some point in December.

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning: Where to Watch (Canada) 

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