The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens will take place on May 1 at the Capital One Arena. The series score is 3-1 in favor of Washington. Washington vs. Montreal: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Washington Capitals
Spencer Carbery's team won the last away game 5-2, moving just one step away from advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup. In the previous game, Brandon Duhaime stood out for Washington, scoring twice. It is noteworthy that in the current playoffs, the club ranks among the bottom three for power-play conversion (10%) and penalty kill efficiency (61.5%).
- Washington has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 9 of their last 12 NHL home games.
- The club has won 10 of their last 12 home games in the league (1 in OT, 2 in shootouts).
- The team has conceded at least three goals in regular time in 5 of their last 7 NHL home games.
Montreal Canadiens
The team is on the brink of elimination from the Stanley Cup after losing the last game. Notably, in the previous match, Montreal scored both goals on the power play, placing them in the top five in this category in the current playoffs (38.5%). In the last game, two players from the club, Ivan Demidov (0+2) and Lane Hutson (0+2), each earned two points.
- Montreal has lost their last four away games in the NHL (2 in OT).
- The club has not scored more than two goals in regular time in 4 of their last 6 away games in the league.
- No more than six goals have been scored in total over three periods in 5 of Montreal's last 7 NHL games.
Washington vs. Montreal: Match Prediction
So far, Montreal has struggled to match the level of their opponent, and Washington has a logical advantage in the series. At this point, there are no indications that the visitors will manage to make a comeback in the next game.
Washington has won in regular time in 8 of their last 11 NHL home games, while Montreal is on a 4-game losing streak on the road in the league (2 in OT). Additionally, Washington has won after three periods in 5 of their last 8 NHL home encounters.
Spencer Carbery's team's experience and justified leadership in the East after the regular season are proving decisive. I believe the hosts should close out the series in the upcoming match, even if it takes more than 60 minutes.
My prediction: Washington Capitals to win the match
