Both teams finished the regular season with 106 points. They split their season series, each winning two games.

The game started at 5:45 PM EDT. As of midday, Josh Anderson scored the first goal at 13:24 of the first period.

Montreal’s projected starter is Jakub Dobes. He has been sharp, notably stopping Erik Cernak in a critical moment early on.

However, details remain unconfirmed regarding his overall performance as the game progresses.

Noah Dobson is sidelined due to injury for the Canadiens. Similarly, Victor Hedman will not play for the Lightning.

The Canadiens had an impressive road record of 24-9-8 this season. They ranked second in the league, scoring an average of 3.50 goals per game on the road.

They entered these playoffs with momentum, having achieved an eight-game win streak from March 21 to April 4.

Andrei Vasilevskiy had a solid regular season with a goals-against average of 2.31. His performance will be crucial for Tampa Bay as they look to respond after falling behind early.

Montreal didn’t limp into the playoffs—they earned their way in. The two Atlantic Division rivals could not be more even, setting the stage for a thrilling series ahead.

Stay tuned for updates and highlights throughout this critical matchup.

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Following the hit, Anderson engaged in a fight with Declan Carlile, further emphasizing the intensity of the matchup. “Josh Anderson levels Kucherov and delivers a decisive beating to Carlile. The horse is in playoff mode,” remarked Anthony Marcotte, highlighting the urgency of the Canadiens’ performance.

Kucherov, a key player for the Lightning, remained quiet after the hit, raising concerns about his condition as the playoffs loom. The Canadiens clinched a playoff berth just two days prior, on April 8, 2026, and are now tied atop the Atlantic Division standings with 102 points.

In addition to Anderson’s impactful play, Cole Caufield is on the brink of a significant milestone, sitting at 49 goals this season and just one goal away from reaching the coveted 50-goal mark. His scoring prowess has been a vital component of the Canadiens’ success this season.

Despite recent struggles to maintain the intensity displayed during an eight-game winning streak, the Canadiens are gearing up for a potential first-round playoff matchup against the Lightning. Observers are keen to see how this rivalry unfolds in the postseason.

Anderson expressed confidence in his team’s offensive capabilities, stating, “I don’t think anybody’s worried that he’s never going to score again,” while teammate Brendan Gallagher added, “He’s going to score goals. He has always scored goals.” This sentiment reflects the team’s belief in their ability to perform under pressure.

As the playoffs approach, the Canadiens’ recent performances will be scrutinized closely. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Anderson’s aggressive style will translate into success on the ice as they aim for a deep playoff run. Details remain unconfirmed regarding Kucherov’s status moving forward.

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In a crucial NHL matchup, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Nashville Predators 4-1 on March 28, 2026, marking their fourth consecutive victory. The game saw standout performances, particularly from Cole Caufield, who scored his 45th goal of the season, becoming the first Canadiens player to achieve this milestone since Stephane Richer in the 1989-90 season.

Josh Anderson, however, left the game due to illness, adding uncertainty to his participation in future matches. This season, Anderson has contributed 22 points, including 13 goals and 9 assists over 68 games.

The Canadiens took control early in the game, with Ivan Demidov scoring at 11:34 of the first period to give them a 1-0 lead. Oliver Kapanen followed up with a goal at 3:12 of the second period, extending the lead to 2-0.

As the second period progressed, Caufield and Alex Newhook added to the Canadiens’ score, making it 3-0 and then 4-0, respectively. The Predators struggled to find their footing, with Juuse Saros making 28 saves but unable to prevent the onslaught.

In a late effort, Zachary L’Heureux scored for the Predators at 16:26 of the third period, bringing the final score to 4-1. This loss marks the second consecutive defeat for the Predators after a five-game winning streak.

The Canadiens now sit third in the Atlantic Division, just four points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning. Their recent form has been impressive, and they will look to build on this momentum as the season progresses.

As the teams move forward, the health of key players like Anderson will be critical for the Canadiens’ success. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his condition.

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