Nikita Kucherov skates with the puck during the Canadiens' 3-2 Game 5 win over the LIghtning on April 29, 2026 in Tampa, Fla. NHLI via Getty Images

The only first-round series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs that’s gone the distance is here for good reason.

The Canadiens and Lightning will clash in Game 7 on Sunday after a 1-0 overtime thriller, sealed by Tampa Bay grinder Gage Goncalves, who punched plane tickets back to Tampa.

This series has been microscopically close: all six games have been decided by one goal (four of which in overtime) and the Under has cashed five times.

With some veteran edge, the Lightning are -155 moneyline favorites at bet365 Sportsbook , with the goal total unsurprisingly set down at 5.5.

Canadiens vs. Lightning prediction, best bet

We’re looking at structurally low-event hockey because of evenly matched systems.…