Canadiens and Lightning Set for Heated Playoff Clash

Discipline and explosive offenses will be key as two 106-point teams meet in Eastern Conference First Round

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a hockey game, with the players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the uniforms of the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning.The heated playoff rivalry between the Canadiens and Lightning is set to explode in a series filled with physical play and high-octane offense.Today in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens will meet in the Eastern Conference First Round of the NHL playoffs, with Game 1 set for Sunday in Tampa. The two Atlantic Division rivals had 106 points each in the regular season, setting up what should be a highly competitive and physical series between the teams. Both squads boast dynamic offenses led by stars like Nikita Kucherov and Cole Caufield, but discipline will be crucial as the teams look to gain an early advantage.

Why it matters

The Lightning and Canadiens have developed a heated rivalry in recent years, with their last regular-season matchup featuring 126 combined penalty minutes. After both teams missed the playoffs in the past three seasons, this series represents an opportunity for one squad to regain its footing and make a deep postseason run.

The details

The Canadiens defeated the Lightning 2-1 in their final regular-season meeting on April 9, a game that Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble described as 'definitely a playoff game, super-energetic, physical.' The Lightning have struggled to get off to fast starts in recent playoff series, losing Game 1 in three of their past four postseason appearances. However, Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper believes this will be 'a heck of a series' between two evenly matched 106-point teams.

  • The Canadiens and Lightning will meet in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round series on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • The teams' last regular-season matchup was on April 9, 2026.

The players

Jayden Struble

A defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens who described the team's last regular-season game against the Lightning as 'definitely a playoff game, super-energetic, physical.'

Brandon Hagel

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who said the upcoming playoff series against the Canadiens 'is going to be a really good series' and that the team needs to 'play with that emotion, you got to play with heart.'

Jon Cooper

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who believes the series between the two 106-point teams 'is going to be a heck of a series.'

Nikita Kucherov

A star forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who will lead the team's explosive offense in the series.

Cole Caufield

A star forward for the Montreal Canadiens who will lead the team's explosive offense in the series.

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What they’re saying

“Last time we played was definitely a playoff game, super-energetic, physical. Every game means a lot, but that one just meant more. It'll be a heated series, very competitive. I think we are ready for it.”

— Jayden Struble, Canadiens Defenseman

“I think it's going to be a really good series. You got to play with that emotion, you got to play with heart.”

— Brandon Hagel, Lightning Forward

“These are two 106-point teams. That's how close they are. I think it's going to be a heck of a series.”

— Jon Cooper, Lightning Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.