Montreal’s quest for its first Stanley Cup in 33 years begins Sunday in Florida.
The NHL has introduced the Sport 1 schedule for all eight first-round matchups.
And although the puck drop time remains to be to be decided, the Canadiens now know they’ll be taking part in Sunday at Benchmark Worldwide Enviornment in Tampa, Florida.
Whereas these two groups have been in wildly completely different spots the previous handful of years, they put collectively equally spectacular campaigns in 2025-26. In truth, this conflict — the 2-3 battle within the Atlantic, with Tampa holding home-ice benefit — is a gathering of golf equipment with the fifth- and sixth-best information in the complete NHL.
So, regardless of a large hole by way of playoff pedigree between the squads, the younger Habs — coached by Bolts legend Martin St. Louis — and savvy Lightning might produce an especially shut first-round collection.
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Tampa Bay: 2-2-0
Montreal: 2-1-1
Lighting X-factor: Well being
Are they lastly wholesome, at simply the suitable time? Key Bolts like Anthony Cirelli, Brayden Level, Brandon Hagel and Darren Raddysh all missed no less than 10 video games this 12 months, whereas defenceman Ryan McDonagh missed near half the schedule. Captain Victor Hemdan, who’s been on private depart since late March, performed effectively underneath half the season.
Even when Hedman is unable to return for Sport 1, Tampa’s roster is in a significantly better spot than it has been for big chunks of the season.
Canadiens X-factor: Depth of scoring
How a lot offence can Montreal get from strains that aren’t the highest one? The second line, specifically, has struggled to supply when Juraj Slafkovsky joins Nick Suzuki and 50-goal man Cole Caufield on the highest trio. Actually, the one man who’s been on the second line all 12 months is Ivan Demidov and, good as he’s, Demidov is a rookie who wants help. If Alex Newhook — who missed an enormous chunk of time with a fractured ankle — can proceed his sturdy late-season play as a speedy 2C, possibly Montreal can hit on one thing that helps the massive boys.
Right here’s the total schedule for all Sport 1s throughout the league.
Japanese Convention
Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes
Saturday, April 18, at 3 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+
Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins
Saturday, April 18, at 8 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+
Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning
Sunday, April 19. Time TBD
Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres
Sunday, April 19. Time TBD
Western Convention
Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars
Saturday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+
Wild Card No. 2 at Colorado Avalanche
Sunday, April 19. Time TBD
Utah Mammoth at Vegas Golden Knights
Sunday, April 19. Time TBD
Pacific Division No. 2 at Pacific Division No. 1
Monday, April 29. Time TBD