The first-round playoff clash in 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 recorded three points, with Ovechkin scoring the overtime winner. So far in this Stanley Cup run, Washington is among the teams with the lowest scoring (3 goals) but is also one of the most reliable defensively (2 goals conceded).
- Washington has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 8 of their last 11 NHL home games.
- The team has won 9 of their last 11 home league games (1 in OT, 2 in shootouts).
- At least five goals have been scored in regular time in 10 of Washington's last 12 NHL matches.
Montreal Canadiens
The loss in the last match was the team's third consecutive away defeat (2 in OT). Lane Hutson stood out for Montreal, contributing to both of the team's goals with two assists. Notably, Montreal capitalized on a power play during their second goal, placing them among the leaders in this Stanley Cup run with a 50% conversion rate.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 3 of their last 4 NHL meetings at Washington’s venue (1 win, 2 draws).
- The team has not scored more than two goals in three periods in their last four away league games.
- 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, having lost a two-goal lead during the first match, should learn from this and prevent the opponent from doing the same in the upcoming game. On their home ice, the team shows quite stable results, winning 9 of their last 11 matches (1 in OT, 1 in shootouts). Additionally, they have 5 wins in their last 7 home NHL meetings (1 in OT).
Montreal played well, but Washington's ace, 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: they have lost 8 of their last 10 NHL away games (4 in OT).
I believe the hosts, buoyed by their fans, will extend their lead in the series, so my prediction: Washington Capitals to win the match.
