Lightning Face Canadiens Amid Trade Speculation

The Montreal Canadiens will face the Tampa Bay Lightning at Bell Centre, with the Canadiens being underdogs according to betting odds. Montreal has been performing strongly, going 9-2-1 since Christmas, and sits sixth in the Atlantic division, just outside a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs recently defeated the Lightning 5-3, continuing their dominance in head-to-head matchups this season. Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner were standout performers for Toronto, helping extend the Maple Leafs' winning streak and solidify their position atop the Atlantic division. Tampa Bay's strong offensive capabilities, led by Nikita Kucherov, will be tested as they seek to rebound against Montreal. The Lightning, eyeing potential trade acquisitions like Nick Robertson, continue a four-game road trip with hopes of bolstering their lineup before the trade deadline.