Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction, Odds, NHL Picks [12/31/2023]

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens will meet in the NHL at Amalie Arena on Sunday, with puck drop at 7:00PM ET.

Dimers.com's comprehensive betting preview for Sunday's Canadiens vs. Lightning matchup includes the latest betting odds, as well as our predictions and picks for the game.

Canadiens vs. Lightning Prediction: Who Will Win, Cover the Spread

We have used trusted machine learning and statistics to simulate the outcome of Sunday's NHL matchup between the Canadiens and Lightning 10,000 times, in line with our coverage of NHL picks.

Our proven predictive analytics model currently gives the Lightning a 64% chance of defeating the Canadiens.

According to our model, the Canadiens (+1.5) have a 58% chance of covering the puck line, while the Over/Under total of 6.5 goals has an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.

To make the most of today's Montreal vs. Tampa Bay betting analysis, check out the best sportsbook promos currently available in your state.

Canadiens vs. Lightning Odds

We have researched the best betting odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

Bet Type	Canadiens	Lightning
Puck Line	+1.5 (-137)	-1.5 (+124)
Moneyline	+172	-190
Total	o6.5 (-118)	u6.5 (+100)

• The Lightning are listed as -1.5 favorites against the Canadiens, with +124 at DraftKings Sportsbook the best odds currently available.
• For the underdog Canadiens (+1.5) to cover the puck line, FanDuel Sportsbook has the best odds currently on offer at -137.
• BetMGM Sportsbook currently has the best moneyline odds for the Lightning at -190, which means you can risk $190 to win $100 for a total payout of $290 if they get the W.
• Elsewhere, FanDuel currently has the best moneyline odds for the Canadiens at +172, where you can put down $100 to profit $172, earning a total payout of $272 if they win.
• The Over/Under is set at 6.5 with FanDuel, which currently has the best odds for the Over at -118, while BetMGM currently has the best odds for the Under at +100.

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

As always, check out the sports betting sites you have access to in your state for the best NHL odds and lines.

Canadiens vs. Lightning Picks

By comparing our predictions to the odds listed above, we have identified the best betting picks for this game:

Bet Type	Our Pick	Best Odds
Puck Line	Canadiens +1.5	-137
Moneyline	Canadiens	+172
Total	Under 6.5	+100

While the Lightning are more likely to win the game, betting on the Canadiens moneyline is the best option because of the edge found when comparing our data-led probabilities to the betting odds currently on offer.

Taking advantage of the edges published here at Dimers is one of the keys to achieving long-term profitability as a sports bettor.

Dimers' NHL best bets are based on world-class modeling and wagering intelligence to bring you the best possible plays every day of the year.

Canadiens vs. Lightning Player Props

Who will score an anytime goal in Canadiens vs. Lightning?

According to our model, Tampa Bay's Brayden Point is most likely to score the first goal in Canadiens vs. Lightning.

Our projections give Point a 9.6% chance of scoring the first goal at Amalie Arena, while the Lightning star is a 45.6% chance of netting an anytime goal.

First Goal Scorer Predictions

Montreal Canadiens

Player	First Goal Probability
Nick Suzuki	5.6%
Cole Caufield	5.2%
Josh Anderson	4.4%
Sean Monahan	3.1%
Joel Armia	2.7%

Tampa Bay Lightning

Player	First Goal Probability
Brayden Point	9.6%
Nikita Kucherov	8.5%
Steven Stamkos	7.2%
Brandon Hagel	5.7%
Nick Paul	5.3%

Anytime Goal Scorer Predictions

Montreal Canadiens

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Cole Caufield	29.4%
Nick Suzuki	29.1%
Josh Anderson	26.0%
Sean Monahan	19.6%
Juraj Slafkovsky	17.2%

Tampa Bay Lightning

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Brayden Point	45.6%
Nikita Kucherov	43.3%
Steven Stamkos	36.9%
Brandon Hagel	31.9%
Nick Paul	27.6%
Don't forget, our model updates frequently, so keep checking this article for any changes to our betting analysis ahead of the Canadiens vs. Lightning on Sunday December 31, 2023.

Canadiens vs. Lightning Game Information

Sunday's game between the Lightning and Canadiens at Amalie Arena is scheduled to begin at 7:00PM ET.

• Who: Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
• Date: Sunday December 31, 2023
• Time: 7:00PM ET / 4:00PM PT
• Venue: Amalie Arena

Our full betting coverage of Canadiens vs. Lightning includes pregame predictions, betting picks, and live win probabilities.

How to Bet on Canadiens vs. Lightning

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Conclusion

This preview article has been partially generated using automated processes and AI technology. Our goal is to provide timely and accurate updates on Sunday's Canadiens vs. Lightning clash, and automation assists in data collection, analysis, and formatting. Human editing and quality control are performed to ensure the content meets our editorial guidelines.

Dimers' picks and predictions are made thanks to 10,000 simulations per game, using reliable and up-to-date data sources and analytical methods. While our Canadiens vs. Lightning predictions can help you make informed decisions, it's crucial that you gamble responsibly and manage your bankroll effectively.

For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

When you click or tap on a link on Dimers that leads to a third-party website that we have a commercial arrangement with (such as a sportsbook), we may get a referral fee at no additional cost to you.

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