"Playoff Frenzy Kicks Off: Lightning and Canadiens Set to Clash in First Round The 2026 NHL playoffs are heating up, and two of the league's most storied franchises are set to face off in the first round. The Tampa Bay Lightning, fresh off their 2025 Stanley Cup victory, will look to continue their dominance against the Montreal Canadiens, who are seeking to revive their own championship legacy. As the puck drops on this highly anticipated matchup, fans can expect a thrilling series filled with high-stakes drama and intense competition. Will the Lightning's championship pedigree prove too much for the Canadiens to overcome, or will Montreal's young guns rise to the challenge and pull off the upset of the playoffs?"
NHL futures odds: Lightning and Canadiens face off in first round of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs CBS Sports
