Lightning vs. Canadiens schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series

The NHL regular season has officially wrapped up, and the hockey world is buzzing with anticipation for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In the Eastern Conference, one of the most intriguing first-round matchups pits the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Montreal Canadiens. This series, originally previewed on The Sporting News, is a clash of contrasting styles, elite goaltending, and raw desperation. While the Lightning secured home-ice advantage, don’t let the standings fool you: these two teams are separated by the thinnest of margins. With the Canadiens boasting one of the league’s best road records and the Lightning leaning on a suffocating defense, this series promises to be a chess match from the opening puck drop.

Below, we break down the full Lightning vs. Canadiens schedule, including dates, times, TV channels, and live scores. We also dive deep into the key matchups, statistical advantages, and expert predictions that will define this first-round battle. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this is your complete guide to one of the most compelling series of the 2024 NHL Playoffs.

Lightning vs. Canadiens schedule: Full dates, times, and TV channels

The NHL has released the official schedule for this first-round series, and every game is set to be a prime-time thriller. The Lightning will host Games 1 and 2 at Amalie Arena, but the Canadiens have proven they are a dangerous road team. Here is the complete schedule, including TV channels and live score updates.

Game 1: Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV Channel: ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports
Live Score: TBD

Game 2: Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning
Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV Channel: ESPN2, Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports
Live Score: TBD

Game 3: Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens
Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV Channel: ABC, Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports
Live Score: TBD

Game 4: Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens
Date: Monday, April 28
Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV Channel: ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports
Live Score: TBD

Game 5 (if necessary): Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning
Date: Wednesday, April 30
Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV Channel: ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports
Live Score: TBD

Game 6 (if necessary): Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens
Date: Friday, May 2
Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV Channel: ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports
Live Score: TBD

Game 7 (if necessary): Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning
Date: Sunday, May 4
Time: TBD
TV Channel: TBD
Live Score: TBD

All times are Eastern. TV channels are subject to change. For the most up-to-date scores, be sure to check The Sporting News, your preferred source for NHL playoff coverage.

Why the Lightning are the betting favorite despite identical points

On paper, the Lightning and Canadiens finished the regular season with the same number of points, but the betting markets have spoken. Tampa Bay opened as a massive -250 favorite on DraftKings, making them the largest favorite in the entire first round. That number might seem aggressive, but the underlying numbers tell a compelling story.

Offensive production: The Lightning averaged 3.5 goals per game, slightly edging Montreal’s 3.4 GPG. But the real separation comes on the defensive end. Tampa Bay allowed just 2.79 goals per game, the third-best mark in the NHL. In contrast, the Canadiens surrendered 3.06 goals per game, ranking 16th in the league. That half-goal difference is massive in a playoff series where every shift matters.

Another factor is the Lightning’s experience. Tampa Bay has been here before, winning multiple Stanley Cups in recent years. Their core of veteran stars knows how to elevate their game when the stakes are highest. The Canadiens, while talented, have a younger roster that has yet to prove itself in high-pressure playoff situations. The goaltending battle will also be pivotal. Andrei Vasilevskiy has a proven playoff pedigree, while Montreal’s netminder, though excellent, faces a relentless Tampa Bay forecheck that can break even the best goalies.

However, the Lightning are not invincible. Their penalty kill could be their Achilles’ heel. Tampa Bay leads the league in penalties per game, averaging 5.2 infractions per contest. That is a staggering number, and it plays directly into Montreal’s strength. The Canadiens convert on 23.1% of their power plays, which is a top-10 efficiency rate. If the Lightning continue to take undisciplined penalties, the Canadiens will make them pay.

Montreal’s secret weapon: Road record and power-play dominance

If you are looking for a reason to believe in the Canadiens, look no further than their road record. Montreal is tied for the second-best road record in the NHL at 24-9-8. That is an elite mark, especially considering they will have to win at least one game at Amalie Arena to steal home-ice advantage. The Canadiens are comfortable playing in hostile environments, and their speed on the counterattack is tailor-made for road hockey.

The power play is where Montreal can truly flip the script. As mentioned, Tampa Bay is the most penalized team in the league, averaging 5.0 penalties drawn per game as well. But the Lightning’s own power play has been lackluster, failing to capitalize consistently. Meanwhile, Montreal’s man advantage is clicking at a 23.1% rate, and they have the personnel to exploit Tampa’s aggressive penalty kill. Players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield can thread passes through tight seams, and their shot from the point is a legitimate threat.

Another edge for the Canadiens is their depth scoring. While Tampa Bay relies heavily on its top line, Montreal rolls four lines that can generate offense. This depth could wear down the Lightning defense over a long series. If Montreal can keep the games low-scoring and tight, their ability to win one-goal games on the road becomes a massive advantage.

But the Canadiens must also beware of the Lightning’s physicality. Tampa Bay leads the league in penalties drawn, meaning they are adept at drawing opponents into the box. Montreal’s discipline will be tested. If they take retaliatory penalties, they will neutralize their own power-play advantage and hand momentum to the Lightning.

Expert analysis: Key matchups and series prediction

This series is a classic battle between a disciplined, defensive juggernaut and a fast, opportunistic team with a lethal power play. The key matchup to watch is Tampa Bay’s top line against Montreal’s shutdown pair. If the Lightning’s stars can break through early, they will dictate the pace. But if Montreal can contain them and force Tampa to rely on secondary scoring, the Canadiens have a real chance.

Special teams will decide this series. Tampa Bay’s penalty kill, which ranked in the top half of the league, will be tested relentlessly. If they can keep Montreal’s power play at bay, they win. If not, the Canadiens will steal games. Another factor is goaltending depth. Vasilevskiy is a Conn Smythe winner, but he has shown occasional inconsistency in high-volume situations. Montreal’s goalie, meanwhile, has been a rock all season, posting a save percentage above .915.

Prediction: This series goes the distance. The Canadiens’ road prowess and power-play efficiency will push Tampa Bay to the brink, but the Lightning’s defensive structure and championship experience will prevail. Expect a tightly contested six or seven games, with Tampa Bay advancing in a hard-fought battle. My pick: Lightning in 7.

Conclusion: Why this series is a must-watch for NHL fans

The Lightning vs. Canadiens first-round series is a microcosm of everything that makes the Stanley Cup Playoffs special. You have a defending champion with home ice facing a hungry, road-tested underdog. You have elite goaltending, special teams drama, and a history of intense rivalry. Every game will be a chess match, and the margin for error is razor-thin.

For fans, the schedule offers plenty of prime-time slots, with games on ESPN, ABC, Sportsnet, and CBC. Make sure to bookmark this page for live scores and updates. And remember, The Sporting News is your preferred source for comprehensive NHL playoff coverage. Whether you are rooting for the Bolts or the Habs, this series is guaranteed to deliver drama, highlight-reel goals, and unforgettable moments. The puck drops on Tuesday. Don’t miss it.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.