Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups.

Montreal is tied for 12th in the league with 3.04 goals per game in 2024-25.

The Montreal Canadiens suddenly are in a playoff race following a strong 16-game run. The Canadiens will try to boost their chances Tuesday night when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second of three matchups between the Atlantic Division rivals this season.

Andrei Vasilevskiy made 19 saves ... Takeaways Canadiens: Comebacks are becoming a trend in Montreal’s hot stretch. The Canadiens trailed four times Sunday against the New York Rangers, but rallied each time and won 5-4 in overtime.

The Canadiens’ Lane Hutson extended his assist and point streaks (13 points; one goal, 12 assists) to nine games, tying the NHL record for the longest assist streak by a rookie defenseman, set by Shayne Gostisbehere of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2015-16.

Jake Evans scores with 2:15 remaining as the Canadiens close the gap between the teams in the Atlantic Division.

The Montreal Canadiens took on the Tampa Bay Lightning last night and it was a good battle, but there are still things Martin St-Louis' team can work on.

Andrei Vasilevskiy made 19 saves ... Canadiens: Comebacks are becoming a trend in Montreal’s hot stretch. The Canadiens trailed four times Sunday against the New York Rangers, but rallied ...

The Lightning always play Montreal tough, but in this one, the Canadiens somehow found a way. Brian Wilde has more.

Montreal Canadiens' Kirby Dach (77) moves in on Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. Credit ...

When Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy trudges down the tunnel at Amalie Arena to begin pregame warmups, his mask appears white with only faint gray and pale blue markings. When the two-time Stanley Cup champion netminder hits the ice, that’s when the magic begins.

Third period MTL 3, TBL 2 17:44 Jake Evans (11) - Joel Armia, Alexandre Carrier Jake Evans secured Montreal’s first lead in the game’s closing minutes, sending his one-timer from the left circle into the top half of the Lightning net with just over two minutes remaining.