Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning: TV Channel & Start Time (Thu, Dec 31)
On TV in Canada: TSN2 (Canadiens region), RDS (Canadiens region, French) and Sportsnet+ Premium (out-of-market) · 2:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT · Benchmark International Arena, Tampa.
Where to Watch in Canada
Sportsnet+ Premium
Streaming — out-of-market
Regional broadcast. TSN's regional games are aired within each team's NHL-defined broadcast region, and TSN says: "NHL broadcast rules require regional blackouts to be enforced on all streaming devices, just like traditional cable TV." Sportsnet+'s NHL Game Finder lists TSN's regional broadcasts as available on Sportsnet+ Premium to viewers outside the team's broadcast region. RDS says restrictions apply to its Canadiens and Senators regional games.
Game Details
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Puck drop across Canada
- NT
- 3:30 p.m.
- AT
- 3:00 p.m.
- ET
- CT
- 1:00 p.m.
- SK
- 1:00 p.m.
- MT
- 1:00 p.m.
- PT
- 12:00 p.m.
Benchmark International Arena
Tampa
Canadiens and Lightning: next games
Every listed Canadiens game and its Canadian TV channel.
Every listed Lightning game and its Canadian TV channel.
Other NHL games on Thu, Dec 31
All NHL games on Thu, Dec 31
Common questions
What channel is Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning on in Canada?
Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning airs on TSN2 (Canadiens region), RDS (Canadiens region, French) and Sportsnet+ Premium (out-of-market) in Canada on Thursday, December 31, 2026.
What time does Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning start?
Puck drop is at 2:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 31, 2026 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. Across Canada, that's 3:30 p.m. NT, 3:00 p.m. AT, 2:00 p.m. ET, 1:00 p.m. CT, 1:00 p.m. in Saskatchewan, 1:00 p.m. MT and 12:00 p.m. PT.
How can I stream Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning in Canada?
In Canada, Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning streams on Sportsnet+ Premium (out-of-market). TSN2 streams on TSN Standard or TSN Premium (blackouts apply). RDS streams on RDS's own streaming subscription.
Is Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning a regional broadcast?
Yes: TSN2 (Canadiens region) and RDS (Canadiens region, French) carry it as a regional broadcast. TSN's regional games are aired within each team's NHL-defined broadcast region, and TSN says: "NHL broadcast rules require regional blackouts to be enforced on all streaming devices, just like traditional cable TV." Sportsnet+'s NHL Game Finder lists TSN's regional broadcasts as available on Sportsnet+ Premium to viewers outside the team's broadcast region. RDS says restrictions apply to its Canadiens and Senators regional games.
Is Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning on TV in French?
Yes. In French, Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning is on RDS on Thursday, December 31, 2026.
Where is Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning being played?
Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning is at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa on Thursday, December 31, 2026.
NHL viewing guides
- NHL blackouts in CanadaHow NHL blackouts work in Canada in 2026-27: each team's region, why Sportsnet+ and TSN black out games, out-of-market options and fixes, plus NBA and MLB.
- Sportsnet+ vs TSN+TSN+ is no longer sold on its own; it's now part of TSN Premium. Compare Sportsnet+ and TSN plans: 2026 prices, sports, blackouts and which to get.
- Watch NHL in CanadaHow to watch NHL in Canada in 2026-27: Sportsnet, Sportsnet+ Mondays, Prime Video Wednesdays, TSN, TVA Sports and RDS, team by team, with prices.