US Edition
Game 82 for Game 1: Why the Bolts’ Regular Season Finale Decides the Start of the Playoffs
The series is a rematch of the 2021 Stanley Cup final, and Tampa Bay and Montreal are tied on 106 points with one game left.
- A first-round NHL playoff matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning is officially set after the Buffalo Sabres clinched the Atlantic Division on Monday.
- This series marks a rematch of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, won by the Lightning in five games; Montreal posted a 2-1-1 record against Tampa Bay during this season's head-to-head meetings.
- Last Thursday's game featured 126 penalty minutes, underscoring the intensity between rivals. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki said, "If we see them in the first round, I think a lot more of that to come so it should be fun."
- Home-Ice advantage remains undecided, with both teams tied at 106 points; however, the Lightning hold the regulation-wins tiebreaker and currently sit second in the Atlantic Division.
- Montreal closes its regular season Tuesday in Philadelphia, while Tampa Bay hosts the New York Rangers on Wednesday, with Nikita Kucherov and Cole Caufield leading their respective offenses.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The victory of the Sabres on Monday night settled the fate of the Canadiens and Lightning.
The National Hockey League (NHL) is officially entering playoff mode in the coming days. Unlike last year, the Montreal Canadiens have managed to climb to the top of the standings without too much difficulty. Who will the Habs face in the first round? A hint: Lightning. Also read: These 5 Montreal Canadiens players are expecting babies in 2026. The playoffs are as much an opportunity to watch your favorite players try to grow beards throughout t…
The Canadian will face Lightning in the first round of the series. The Montreal-Tampa Bay duel was formalized after the Buffalo Sabres division title.
It's now confirmed: The Canadian will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs. The first duel is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
