Montreal’s quest for its first Stanley Cup in 33 years begins Sunday in Florida.
The NHL has announced the Game 1 schedule for all eight first-round matchups.
And though the puck drop time is still to be determined, the Canadiens now know they’ll be playing Sunday at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
GAME ☝️ SCHEDULE JUST DROPPEDThe #StanleyCup Playoffs start this SATURDAY on @espn, @Sportsnet, and @TVASports! pic.twitter.com/Wax3QAnKYb
While these two teams have been in wildly different spots the past handful of years, they put together similarly impressive campaigns in 2025-26. In fact, this clash — the 2-3 battle in the Atlantic, with Tampa holding home-ice advantage — is a meeting of clubs with the fifth- and sixth-best records in the entire NHL.
So, despite a wide gap in terms of playoff pedigree between the squads, the young Habs — coached by Bolts legend Martin St. Louis — and savvy Lightning could produce an extremely close first-round series.
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Tampa Bay: 2-2-0Montreal: 2-1-1
Lighting X-factor: Health
Are they finally healthy, at just the right time? Key Bolts like Anthony Cirelli, Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel and Darren Raddysh all missed at least 10 games this year, while defenceman Ryan McDonagh missed close to half the schedule. Captain Victor Hemdan, who’s been on personal leave since late March, played well under half the season.
Even if Hedman is unable to return for Game 1, Tampa’s roster is in a much better spot than it has been for large chunks of the season.
Canadiens X-factor: Depth of scoring
How much offence can Montreal get from lines that aren’t the top one? The second line, in particular, has struggled to produce when Juraj Slafkovsky joins Nick Suzuki and 50-goal man Cole Caufield on the top trio. Really, the only guy who’s been on the second line all year is Ivan Demidov and, good as he is, Demidov is a rookie who needs support. If Alex Newhook — who missed a huge chunk of time with a fractured ankle — can continue his strong late-season play as a speedy 2C, maybe Montreal can hit on something that supports the big boys.
Here’s the full schedule for all Game 1s across the league.
Eastern Conference
Ottawa Senators at Carolina HurricanesSaturday, April 18, at 3 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+
Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh PenguinsSaturday, April 18, at 8 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+
Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay LightningSunday, April 19. Time TBD
Boston Bruins at Buffalo SabresSunday, April 19. Time TBD
Western Conference
Minnesota Wild at Dallas StarsSaturday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+
Wild Card No. 2 at Colorado AvalancheSunday, April 19. Time TBD
Utah Mammoth at Vegas Golden KnightsSunday, April 19. Time TBD
Pacific Division No. 2 at Pacific Division No. 1Monday, April 29. Time TBD
