Playoff hockey returns to Tampa tonight. The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to start their playoff run tonight, as they host the first game of their series against the Montreal Canadiens at Benchmark International Arena. Although the Lightning are considered the favorites based on seeding and their postseason experience, it’s hard to imagine a more even playoff series. During the regular season, the Bolts faced the Canadiens four times. Each team picked up two wins, with the Lightning winning both of the early season games while the Canadiens won both of the more recent affairs. Both teams finished the season with 106 points. On top of that, both teams also finished the regular season with a loss. While there are a lot of interesting playoff matchups in the first round, it’s safe to say that none seem more equal than this one. The game will be broadcast on TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max nationally in the United States following the game between the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings. In Canada, it’ll be available on CBC, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports. In the Tampa market, it will also be available on The Spot. PROJECTED LINES (PER NHL.COM): Montreal Canadiens Cole Caufield - Nick Suzuki - Juraj Slafkovsky Alexandre Texier - Alex Newhook - Ivan Demidov Zachary Bolduc - Oliver Kapanen - Kirby Dach Jake Evans - Phillip Danault - Josh Anderson Mike Matheson - Alexandre Carrier Kaiden Guhle - Lane Hutson Jayden Struble - Xhekaj Arber Jakub Dobes Jacob Fowler Tampa Bay Lightning Gage Goncalves - Brayden Point - Nikita Kucherov Brandon Hagel - Anthony Cirelli - Jake Guentzel Zemgus Girgensons - Yanni Gourde - Nick Paul Corey Perry - Dominic James - Oliver Bjorkstrand J.J. Moser - Darren Raddysh Ryan McDonagh - Erik Cernak Charle-Edouard D'Astous - Emil Lilleberg Andrei Vasilevskiy Jonas Johansson Dominic James Activated Off IR, Expected to Return for Lightning in Game 1 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/cbc3c28f-15b7-4475-903e-86199536b5a4.jpeg] Dominic James Activated Off IR, Expected to Return for Lightning in Game 1 The Tampa Bay Lightning are expected to get a boost for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Rookie forward <a href="https://www.nhl.com/lightning/player/dominic-james-8483752">Dominic James</a> has been activated off injured reserve and is expected to be in the lineup Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens at Benchmark International Arena. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/dominic-james-activated-off-ir-expected-to-return-for-lightning-in-game-1] Victor Hedman Rejoins Lightning Ahead of Game 1, Not Expected to Play [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/0c61e758-4c1f-4a22-84a4-b4a1fad1340e.jpeg] Victor Hedman Rejoins Lightning Ahead of Game 1, Not Expected to Play Just one day before the Lightning host the Montreal Canadiens, the team will get their captain back. Coach Jon Cooper said Saturday that Victor Hedman has rejoined the group following a leave of absence and will travel for the series. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/victor-hedman-rejoins-lightning-ahead-of-game-1-not-expected-to-play] Canadiens' Martin St. Louis has "Zero" Emotions Attached to Lightning Right Now [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/0603346f-96e8-4557-822e-edf5511213d6.jpeg] Canadiens' Martin St. Louis has "Zero" Emotions Attached to Lightning Right Now The Tampa Bay Lightning will be seeing an old friend in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/canadiens-martin-st-louis-has-zero-emotions-attached-to-lightning-right-now]