The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals will take place on April 26 at the Bell Centre. The series score is 2-0 in favor of Washington. Montreal vs. Washington: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Montreal Canadiens
Martin St. Louis's side suffered a defeat in the previous game of the series on the road (1-3). The team's only goal came in the 22nd minute, scored by Christian Dvorak. Notably, in this Stanley Cup campaign, Montreal ranks among the lowest-scoring clubs, with only three goals to their name.
- Montreal has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 5 of their last 7 NHL home games.
- The club has won after three periods in 4 of their last 5 home league matches.
- No more than six goals have been scored in regular time in 12 of Montreal's last 13 NHL games.
Washington Capitals
Spencer Carbery's team strengthened their advantage in the series before heading on the road. In the previous match, Connor McMichael stood out for Washington by scoring twice. Notably, Washington ranks among the most reliable clubs in these playoffs, conceding only three goals.
- Washington has scored at least four goals in regular time in 8 of their last 10 NHL games against Montreal.
- The club has lost after 60 minutes in 4 of their last 5 away league matches.
- At least six goals have been scored in regular time in 5 of Washington's last 7 away NHL games.
- The team has conceded at least four goals after three periods in 4 of their last 5 away games in the league.
Montreal vs. Washington: Match Prediction
Spencer Carbery's team has been quite reliable so far, and based on the two games in the series, it's hard to see how Montreal can turn things around. Currently, the club has lost 5 of their last 6 NHL games (2 in overtime, 1 in shootout), and given Washington's control, there are no signs of a significant change with the series moving.
This season in Montreal, the teams have met only once, with Washington winning in regular time (4-2). Additionally, as the visiting team, Washington has won 6 of the last 8 head-to-head NHL meetings (1 in overtime). I believe there's a high chance the club will leave Montreal on the brink of elimination in the upcoming match. Washington's goalie Logan Thompson is quite reliable, and the team has been stable in execution. Even if they don't secure victory in regular time, they can resolve the game in overtime, especially since they have already experienced this in the current series.
My prediction: Washington Capitals to win the match
