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Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals: Preview, Predictions and Picks for April 23, 2025

Updated on:
Apr 29, 2025 11:49 PM
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM, the Washington Capitals will look to build on their 1-0 series lead as they host the Montreal Canadiens at Capital One Arena in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup. The Capitals, sitting atop the Metropolitan Division, will aim to capitalize on their strong regular season form against the Canadiens, who finished fourth in the Atlantic Division. Expect a thrilling encounter as these two NHL powerhouses clash in the nation's capital.
Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals

Current Odds

MTL
WSH
Over
6.0
-105
Under
6.0
-101
MTL
+1.5
-150
WSH
-1.5
+140
MTL
ML
+165
WSH
ML
-180

Canadiens vs Capitals statistics

Stat Canadiens Capitals
Goals For per Game 2.96 3.49
Goals Against Average 3.18 2.79
Shots per Game 25.5 27.6
Shots Against per Game 29.0 27.2
Power Play Goals 47 52
Power Play Goals Against 49 43
Short Handed Goals 9 8
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 760 779
Power Play Percentage 20.1 23.5
Penalty Kill Percentage 80.9 82.0

Washington Capitals recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
4/21/25 vs Montreal Canadiens W 3-2 OT
4/17/25 @ Pittsburgh Penguins L 5-2
4/15/25 @ New York Islanders W 3-1
4/13/25 vs Columbus Blue Jackets L 4-1
4/12/25 @ Columbus Blue Jackets L 7-0

Montreal Canadiens recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
4/21/25 @ Washington Capitals L 3-2 OT
4/16/25 vs Carolina Hurricanes W 4-2
4/14/25 vs Chicago Blackhawks L 4-3 SO
4/12/25 @ Toronto Maple Leafs L 1-0 OT
4/11/25 @ Ottawa Senators L 5-2

Washington Capitals injuries

  • Aliaksei Protas (C): Day-To-Day

Montreal Canadiens injuries

  • Rafael Harvey-Pinard (LW): Out

Canadiens vs Capitals game info

Type Info
Venue Capital One Arena
Location Washington, DC
Puck drop Wed 7:00 PM
TV ESPN

Canadiens vs Capitals predictions

The Montreal Canadiens are heading into this crucial matchup with a lot riding on their top players. Imagine Cole Caufield lacing up his skates, ready to translate his impressive 37 goals into postseason magic. He has the type of explosive speed and accurate shot that could easily change the tide of the game. Don’t forget Lane Hutson either. With a knack for setting up exciting plays, his 60 assists during the regular season suggest he’ll be crucial in connecting those cross-ice passes that can often slip through a defenseman's stick—the kind that leads to those high-pressure moments in front of the net. And if you're eyeing a potential standout, keep tabs on Nick Suzuki; his command on the ice, with 89 points, shows a captivating ability to read the game and make decisions that capitalize on split-second opportunities.

Now switch your skates to the other side of the rink. Standing tall amongst the Washington Capitals is the legend himself, Alex Ovechkin. He's been a force of nature with 44 goals this season, a figure that is almost expected from someone who has such a nose for the net. Watching him play is like seeing a masterclass in power and precision. It's not just about the goals, though. Dylan Strome will be pivotal for the Capitals, providing depth as both an assist leader with 53 and a crucial playmaker. His role in facilitating and connecting plays is just as significant as having a player like Ovechkin waiting in the wings to pounce. This duo, supported by a roster that knows how to hustle, suggests that Washington has a rock-solid offense primed to challenge any goalie.

With both teams bringing such firepower to the ice, this game promises to be a thrilling spectacle. But if you had to put money on it, you'd probably lean toward the Washington Capitals clinching this one. Why? Playing on home ice at the Capital One Arena, where they have consistently performed well, gives them more than an edge. Also, the Capitals are carrying a 1-0 series lead, and they know that pushing this to a two-game lead could be pivotal in taking control of the playoff series. The Canadiens, however, are known for their resilience and could make this a challenging fight. What do you think, is it time for the underdogs to shock the NHL world, or will the Capitals tighten their grip? Let’s lace up and watch the drama unfold.

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