How to Watch Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning: 2026 NHL Live Stream & TV Channel
By Craig Dudek in NHL Hockey
Published:
The Montreal Canadiens are set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning for a highly anticipated Atlantic Division clash. This late-season matchup brings the Lightning to Montreal for a classic Eastern Conference showdown inside the Bell Centre. Both clubs are looking to make a statement as they hit the ice.
Watch Canadiens vs Lightning on FuboTV.
This game serves as a true test for both sides as the regular season schedule winds down. If you want to catch every minute of the action, you are in the right place. Continue reading to discover the official puck drop time, complete venue location details, and comprehensive broadcast information covering your TV channel listings and live streaming options.
When is the Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Matchup? What Time Does It Start?
Fans looking to catch the action should mark their calendars. The matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning is officially scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The puck drop is set for 7:00 PM ET. This regular season showdown will be hosted on the Canadiens’ home ice at the Bell Centre, located in Montreal, QC, CAN.
Where Is the Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Game?
The upcoming matchup features the Montreal Canadiens taking the ice as the home team to host the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning.
This highly anticipated game is being played at the Bell Centre. The venue is located in Montreal, QC, CAN. The Canadiens will look to defend their home ice against the Lightning in this familiar divisional battle.
How Can I Watch the Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning?
With the puck scheduled to drop at 7:00 PM ET live from the Bell Centre, fans will not want to miss a second of this Eastern Conference showdown. This game carries massive weight for the playoff picture. Both teams are fighting for crucial Atlantic Division seeding and home-ice advantage in a potential first-round preview.
Fans in the Montreal market can tune in to TSN2 for English-language coverage or RDS for the French-language broadcast. In the Tampa Bay market, the game will air on WXPX-TV.
How Can I Stream the Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Matchup?
For fans looking to stream the game, there are several options available. In the United States, ESPN+ will serve as the primary streaming destination. Canadian viewers can access the broadcast through TSN+.
Fans can also stream the game live through FuboTV, which carries major national sports networks and select regional sports networks. You can easily verify which channel packages include the networks broadcasting this matchup.
Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Odds
Odds from bet365 Sportsbook on April 9th.
The Lightning opened as slight favorites at -120 on the moneyline, and that line has held steady. However, the public is leaning toward the home side, with 55% of moneyline bets backing the Canadiens at +100. Montreal’s nine wins in their last 10 games and the Bell Centre crowd could be driving that confidence.
On the puck line, a commanding 76% of bets favor the Canadiens at -250 to win by more than 1.5 goals, suggesting bettors see the potential for a comfortable home victory. Meanwhile, the over/under is set at 6.5, and an overwhelming 85% of total bets are on the over. The over line has also shifted from +100 at open to -105, reflecting that movement. Given both teams’ offensive capabilities and the high-stakes nature of this divisional clash, bettors are expecting a high-scoring affair.
Creative Manager and Writer at Sportradar. Craig has previously worked as a camera operator and video director in radio and television, as well as a content coordinator in the non-profit sector.
