Games / NHL / Dec 31, 2026

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning: stats, injuries and matchup preview

The Montreal Canadiens (11-3-4) visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (11-4-2) on Thursday, December 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET, at Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL. TV: The Spot - MTN. Below: injuries, recent form, a team comparison and matchup notes for Tampa Bay Lightning vs Montreal Canadiens.

NHLThursday, December 31, 2026

Montreal Canadiens11-3-4

2:00 PM ETDec 31, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning11-4-2

DateDec 31, 2026

Time2:00 PM ET

VenueBenchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL

TVThe Spot - MTN

Team comparison

Montreal CanadiensTampa Bay Lightning

Goals per game

3.4

3.7

Goals allowed per game

3.1

11-3-4Record11-4-2

2nd in Atlantic DivisionStanding3rd in Atlantic Division

6-2Road record / home record8-0

LWWLWLast 5LWWWL

L1StreakL1

Team stats

Montreal CanadiensTampa Bay Lightning

Goals Against Average

3.12

3.06

Shots Against per Game

28.3

24.7

Penalty Kill Percentage

78.3

72.9

Power Play Goals Against

Short Handed Goals Against

Goals For per Game

3.47

3.71

Shots per Game

27.6

29.9

Power Play Goals

Power Play Percentage

15.4

19.4

Short Handed Goals

Penalty Minutes

200

140

Injury report

Confirm lineups and injuries close to game time.

Montreal Canadiens

Ivan Demidov RW · Ankle - Fracture

Injured Reserve

Mike Matheson D · Lower Body

Out

Sam Montembeault G · Lower Body

Injured Reserve

Bryce Pickford D · Undisclosed

Injured Reserve

Lucas Condotta LW · Undisclosed

Injured Reserve

Tampa Bay Lightning

Brayden Point C · Undisclosed - Not Specified

Injured Reserve

Recent form

Montreal CanadiensLWWLW

Nov 10, 2026 · vs Minnesota WildL 1-2

Nov 7, 2026 · at Toronto Maple LeafsW 4-2

Nov 5, 2026 · vs Utah MammothW 5-4

Nov 3, 2026 · vs Winnipeg JetsL 4-5

Oct 31, 2026 · vs Pittsburgh PenguinsW 5-4

Tampa Bay LightningLWWWL

Nov 8, 2026 · at Winnipeg JetsL 3-4

Nov 7, 2026 · at Minnesota WildW 4-3

Nov 5, 2026 · vs Chicago BlackhawksW 4-1

Nov 3, 2026 · vs Detroit Red WingsW 4-2

Oct 31, 2026 · at Nashville PredatorsL 4-5

Season series

Series starts 12/2

Apr 8, 2027MTL 0, TB 0

Mar 18, 2027TB 0, MTL 0

Dec 31, 2026MTL 0, TB 0

Dec 2, 2026TB 0, MTL 0

Team pages

Montreal Canadiens
Schedule, roster and stats

Tampa Bay Lightning
Schedule, roster and stats

More NHL games on Dec 31, 2026

Pittsburgh Penguins6-10-2

Ottawa Senators11-6-2

2:00 PM ET

Carolina Hurricanes14-3-2

Detroit Red Wings7-8-3

2:00 PM ET
CARNHL, DSN

Washington Capitals10-6-0

Columbus Blue Jackets7-9-0

2:00 PM ET
CBJNHL, MNMT

St. Louis Blues7-8-2

Vegas Golden Knights12-5-2

3:00 PM ET
Blues App, BN+, Scripps Sports

Colorado Avalanche11-6-2

New York Rangers10-8-1

Dallas Stars10-5-2

9:00 PM ET
MSGSN, KDFI, Prime Video (Local)

Frequently asked questions

What time is Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning?

The game is on Thursday, December 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET at Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL.

How can I watch Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning?

TV: The Spot - MTN.

What are the records of the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning?

Montreal Canadiens: 11-3-4. Tampa Bay Lightning: 11-4-2.

Who is injured for Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning?

Listed out or doubtful: Montreal Canadiens: Ivan Demidov, Mike Matheson, Sam Montembeault, Bryce Pickford. Tampa Bay Lightning: Brayden Point. Check the injury report above for the full list, and confirm close to game time.

Where is Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning played?

Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL.

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Independent analysis for information and entertainment. Not betting advice. Scores, schedules, records and injuries can change.