The first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals will take place on April 28 at the Bell Centre. The series score is 2-1 in favor of Washington. Montreal vs. Washington: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Montreal Canadiens
Martin St. Louis' team managed to defeat their opponent in the last game of the series on home ice, with a significant margin (6-3). The first two periods were quite even, and the intrigue remained before the final segment of regulation time, but Montreal left no questions unanswered in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals against Washington. It is worth noting that the team has suffered five losses in their last seven NHL games (1 after shootouts, 2 in OT).
It should be noted that the team's main goalkeeper, Sam Montembeault, was unable to finish the previous match and was replaced by Jakub Dobes in the second period.
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Montreal has won in regulation time in 11 of their last 13 NHL home games (3 in OT).
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The club has scored at least three goals in 13 of their last 14 home games in the league over 60 minutes.
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The team has conceded at least three goals in 8 of their last 10 home head-to-head NHL meetings.
Washington Capitals
Washington failed to build on their series advantage after two successful home games. As a result, the team has suffered its fifth defeat in the last six NHL away games (1 in OT). It is worth mentioning that Spencer Carbery's team and Montreal have an equal number of goals scored and conceded over three full playoff games (9).
It should be noted that Logan Thompson, due to health reasons after colliding with a teammate, was forced to leave the previous match in the third period. The goalkeeper could only leave the ice with the help of the team doctor and teammates.
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Washington has lost in regulation time in 7 of their last 9 NHL away games.
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The team has conceded at least three goals over 60 minutes in 6 of their last 7 NHL games.
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The club has not lost in regulation time in 7 of their last 9 head-to-head NHL away games.
Montreal vs. Washington: Match Prediction
Montreal shows quite good results playing on their home ice: they have not lost over three periods in 13 consecutive games. However, it is worth highlighting the number of goals conceded: in 12 of their last 13 games, the club has conceded a maximum of 3 goals in regulation time in the NHL.
Spencer Carbery's team, showing excellent play on their home ice, unfortunately, does not demonstrate similar results playing away: they have suffered defeat in 8 of 11 NHL games (1 in OT). Special attention should be given to their scoring: the club has scored a maximum of 3 goals in regulation time in 8 of 9 NHL away games.
We are in for a very interesting confrontation, as both teams have proven themselves quite well in terms of scoring and the beauty of the game. I believe Montreal will continue to show good defensive play at home and will not allow Washington to achieve a large score in their favor in such a crucial match.
My prediction: Washington Individual Total Under 3.5
