The Montreal Canadiens complete their Florida swing on Sunday evening against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena, and the NHL odds have the Lightning as -250 favorites.
Montreal forward Cole Caufield found the back of the net last night, and my Canadiens vs. Lightning predictions are backing him to do so once again.
Read on for my NHL picks for Sunday, December 29.
Canadiens vs Lightning prediction
My Canadiens pick
Cole Caufield anytime goal (+200 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
Cole Caufield has been, by far, the Montreal Canadiens’ biggest scoring threat. He leads the team in both goals and power play goals by a relatively wide margin.
It is that second area that puts him in a particularly advantageous position to score again on Sunday evening. While the Tampa Bay Lightning possess a solid two-way team, they struggle to stay out of the box.
This season, the Bolts rank 23rd in penalty minutes taken per game. The penalty killing unit has done a decent job in limiting the damage, but it is still a group that is barely over the 80% mark.
Additionally, Caufield has scored in two of his past three games against Tampa.
Furthermore, he and the Habs will have the advantage of avoiding goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, given that he played last night and the Lightning are on the second half of a back-to-back.
Jonas Johansson is expected to start for Tampa, and he allowed three goals in his last outing against Montreal. Caufield was responsible for one of those three goals.
Canadiens vs Lightning same-game parlay (SGP)
Cole Caufield anytime goal
Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 assists
Canadiens moneyline
If we are backing Caufield to find the back of the net, then there is an increased likelihood that Nick Suzuki records an assist. Suzuki skates alongside Caufield on both the first line and first power play unit, acting as a key facilitator.
Suzuki currently leads the team in assists, which is a testament of that facilitation as well as Caufield’s scoring ability. In fact, he has assisted on four of Caufield’s past five goals.
There then is also an increased probability in Montreal pulling off the upset if Caufield and Suzuki both find the scoresheet. I also give the goaltending edge to the Habs, given that Sam Montembeault is slated to take the crease.
He’s won three of his past four starts and outranks Johansson in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on the NHL at BET99!
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for hockey betting, join BET99 and get up to $1,500 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Canadiens vs Lightning odds
Canadiens vs Lightning live odds
Canadiens vs Lightning opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal +1.5 (-110) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Montreal +205 | Tampa Bay -250
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-120) | Under 6.5 (+100)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Canadiens vs Lightning trend
Caufield has scored in two of his past three games against Tampa. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Lightning.
How to watch Canadiens vs Lightning
| Location: | Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL |
| Date: | Sunday, 12-29-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 5:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN2, RDS |
Canadiens vs Lightning latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
