Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction 10-31-24 NHL Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, October 31st at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup. 

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 6-2-0 this year after they defeated the Rangers by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Washington led 3-1 after the first period and 4-3 after the second, and they were able to add an empty net goal for the win. The Capitals outshot New York by a total of 46-19, won 61.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-4 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Dowd, McMichael, Ovechkin (2), and Protas, while Thompson stopped 16 out of 19 shots in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Capitals lost to Tampa Bay by a score of 3-0 but did win the previous five games. Washington has scored 3.88 goals per game and they have allowed 3.00 goals against per game, while also going 7.4% on the power play and 81.5% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with three goals, eight assists, and 15 shots on goal, while Charlie Lindgren is 2-2-0 with a 2.53 goals against average and an .895 save percentage this year. 

Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview

The Montreal Canadiens are 4-5-1 this season after they lost to Seattle by a score of 8-2 in their last game. Montreal trailed 4-1 after the first period and allowed the next four goals in the blowout loss. The Canadiens outshot Seattle by a total of 30-23, won 45.3% of the face-offs, and went 0-4 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Anderson and Caufield, while Montembeault allowed five goals on ten shots in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Canadiens defeated Philadelphia by a score of 4-3 and St. Louis by a score of 5-2. Montreal has scored 2.90 goals per game and they have allowed 4.00 goals against per game, while also going 22.9% on the power play and 83.8% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led Montreal with three goals, eight assists, and 26 shots on goal, while Sam Montembeault is 3-4-0 with a 3.67 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage this year. 

Why the Capitals will beat the Canadiens

• The Canadiens have lost each of their last 10 Thursday road games.
• The Capitals have won seven of their last eight night games at Capital One Arena following a win.
• The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last four games at Capital One Arena.
• The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in three of their last four games at Capital One Arena.
• The home team has won the second period in each of the last six games between the Canadiens and Capitals.

Total Goals Facts

• Eleven of the Capitals’ last 12 games as home favorites following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Each of the Canadiens’ last five games has gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Canadiens’ last 11 games as underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in four of the Capitals’ last five home games against Eastern Conference opponents.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Nicklas Backstrom has recorded an assist in each of his last four appearances with the Capitals as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Nic Dowd has scored a goal in three of the Capitals’ last four games.
• Alex Ovechkin has recorded at least one point in each of his last 10 appearances against the Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts

• Mike Matheson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canadiens’ last seven games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Cole Caufield has scored at least one goal in each of the Canadiens’ last four road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Nick Suzuki has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens’ last nine games against the Capitals.

Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction 

Washington comes into this matchup as one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now and they just beat the Rangers by a score of 5-3. The Capitals are 4-1-0 at home this season, while the Canadiens are 1-1-1 on the road. Montreal has had some major defensive issues recently, as they have allowed 7+ goals in two of their last four games. Montreal started the season playing very good defense, but I can’t trust them in the defensive zone right now. Take Washington -1.5 here.