Montreal is much improved this season. Because of that this becomes a big early game that Tampa Bay is sure to be up for especially after losing 4-1 at home to Nashville on Thursday. The Lightning outshot the Predators, 43-24, in that frustrating loss.

Tampa Bay leads Montreal by just one point for the top spot in the East. The Lightning still are superior to the Canadiens even if Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Victor Hedman has to miss another game due to an upper body injury.

The Lightning have won eight of their last 11 road games. The Canadiens are coming off a huge 6-4 home victory against the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals on Thursday. Montreal is 2-9 the past 11 times following a victory and aren't likely to turn in another "A" game type of performance so soon.