The first-round playoff matchup of the Stanley Cup between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens will take place on April 24 at the Capital One Arena. The series score is 1-0 in favor of Washington. Washington vs. Montreal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Washington Capitals
Spencer Carbery's team started with a home victory in the current Stanley Cup campaign (3-2 in OT). For Washington, Dylan Strome (0+3) and Alexander Ovechkin (2+1) each earned three points, with the latter scoring the winning goal in overtime. In this Stanley Cup run, Washington is among the teams with the lowest scoring (3 goals) but also ranks as one of the most reliable clubs defensively (2 goals conceded).
It should be noted that Martin Fehervary will not participate in this playoff, as he underwent meniscus surgery a few days ago and will miss the remainder of the season.
- Washington has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 8 of the last 11 head-to-head NHL meetings when playing at home.
- The club has won 9 of the last 11 home games in the league (1 in OT, 2 in shootouts).
- At least five goals have been scored in regular time in 10 of Washington's last 12 NHL games.
Montreal Canadiens
The defeat in the previous game marked the team's third consecutive away loss (2 in OT). Lane Hutson stood out for Montreal, contributing to both of the team's goals by assisting twice. It's also worth mentioning that the visitors capitalized on a power play during their second goal, placing Montreal among the leaders in this Stanley Cup run with a 50% power play success rate.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 3 of the last 4 head-to-head NHL meetings at Washington's venue (1 win, 2 draws).
- The team has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in four previous away games in the league.
- At least five goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of Montreal's last 9 NHL games.
Washington vs. Montreal: Match Prediction
Washington, which squandered a two-goal lead in the first game, should learn from this and prevent the opponent from doing the same in the upcoming match. On their home ice, the club shows relatively stable results, winning 9 of the last 11 games (1 in OT, 1 in shootouts). Additionally, they have 5 wins in the last 7 head-to-head NHL meetings at home (1 in OT).
Montreal played well, but Washington's trump card, Alexander Ovechkin, prevented the visitors from winning. This defeat marked the team's third consecutive away loss. Overall, Montreal's away record is not impressive: the team has lost 8 of the last 10 NHL games on the road (4 in OT).
I believe the hosts, supported by their fans, will extend their lead in the series, so my prediction: Washington Capitals to win the match
