Montréal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Head-to-Head

Lightning built their historical edge pre-2005, winning 23 of 43 decided meetings (53%) (plus 6 ties). In the shootout era they are 55-45 against each other (55% Lightning). 6 historical ties live in the all-time ledger, all predating the 2005 shootout rule. Postseason history is deep: 26 playoff games between the two franchises. Games average a 1.9-goal margin, with the largest blowout coming via Canadiens' 6-goal win. Across the last 20 decided meetings Lightning hold a 11-9 edge, suggesting the modern balance leans their way. The 2010s produced the deepest sample with 50 recorded meetings, more than any other decade in the series. Their first recorded meeting fell in 1992, so the rivalry has spanned 34 seasons of NHL history. Most recent result: Canadiens won 2-1 on May 3, 2026. Through the 2020s Lightning have led 21-11 between the teams.