In this article we will formulate a Capitals vs Canadiens prediction for this NHL game on Monday, April 21st at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals are 51-22-9 this year after they lost to Pittsburgh by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Washington cut the deficit to 3-2 in the second period, but they allowed two goals in the third to seal the loss. The Capitals were outshot by a total of 38-20, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from McMichael and Ovechkin, while Stevenson stopped 33 out of 38 shots in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Capitals defeated the Islanders by a score of 3-1, but did lose to the Blue Jackets by a score of 4-1 before that. Washington has lost three of their last four games and they finished first in the Metro standings with 111 points. Washington has scored 3.49 goals per game and they have allowed 2.79 goals against per game, while also going 23.5% on the power play and 82% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 29 goals, 53 assists, and 149 shots on goal, while Alex Ovechkin has added 44 goals, 29 assists, and 237 shots on goal. Logan Thompson is 31-6-6 with a 2.49 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this year.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
The Montreal Canadiens are 40-31-11 this season after they defeated Carolina by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Montreal was tied at one after the first period, but they scored three of the last four goals to seal the win. The Canadiens were outshot by a total of 29-22, won 37.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Evans, Suzuki, and Guhle (2), while Montembeault stopped 27 out of 29 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Canadiens lost to the Blackhawks by a score of 4-3 and the Maple Leafs by a score of 1-0. Montreal has lost three of their last four games and they finished fifth in the Atlantic standings with 91 points. Montreal has scored 2.96 goals per game and they have allowed 3.18 goals against per game, while also going 20.1% on the power play and 80.9% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki has led Montreal with 30 goals, 59 assists, and 172 shots on goal, while Cole Caufield has added 37 goals, 33 assists, and 240 shots on goal. Sam Montembeault is 31-24-7 with a 2.82 goals against average and a .902 save percentage this season.
Why the Capitals will beat the Canadiens
- The Capitals have won each of their last six night games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have lost 15 of their last 18 road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- The Canadiens have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three games following a home win.
- The home team has covered the puck line in seven of the Capitals’ last nine games.
- The Capitals have won the third period in each of their last five home games against Atlantic Division opponents when tied after the second period.
Why the Canadiens will beat the Capitals
- The Capitals have lost three of their last four games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The underdogs have won three of the Capitals’ last four games at Capital One Arena.
- The Canadiens have covered the puck line in each of their last nine Monday road games.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Capitals have lost the third period in each of their last six games against Eastern Conference opponents when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Six of the Capitals’ last seven night games against Atlantic Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Five of the Canadiens’ last six games following a win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last seven games as favorites.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in nine of the Canadiens’ last 10 games as underdogs.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Rasmus Sandin has recorded an assist in each of the Capitals’ last five home games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Alex Ovechkin has scored at least one goal in each of the Capitals’ last five games as favorites.
- Alex Ovechkin has recorded at least one point in each of his last 11 appearances against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Trevor van Riemsdyk has recorded two assists against the Canadiens this season – equal-most against any opponent.
Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts
- Nick Suzuki has scored at least one goal in seven of the Canadiens’ last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Nick Suzuki has recorded at least one assist in five of the Canadiens’ last six games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Nick Suzuki has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens’ last 12 games against the Capitals.
- Mike Matheson ranks 1st in the Atlantic Division for average time on ice (25:05) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Washington Capitals rank 2nd in the league for goals per game this season (3.49).
- The Washington Capitals rank 5th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.01%).
- The Montreal Canadiens rank 30th in the league for shots per game this season (25.6).
- The Montreal Canadiens rank 30th in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game this season (1.02).
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Capitals vs Canadiens Prediction
Neither one of these teams comes into this series playing very well over their last four games, so it will be interesting to see which side can get back on track first. Montreal is 17-19-5 on the road this year, while Washington is 26-9-6 at home. The Capitals were one of the best teams in the regular season, but they were sloppy in their final few games and I have some questions about their goaltending. Thompson was one of the best goalies during the regular season, but he has been battling injury, so I am not sure how sharp he will be in his first game back. On the other side, the Montreal defense definitely has some holes and they had trouble against this Washington attack in the regular season. Take the over here.