Montreal (0-1) at Washington (1-0)
- When: Apr 23 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, USA
- TV: ESPN
Canadiens vs. Capitals NHL Playoffs Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: Washington -185 | Total: 5.5
The Washington Capitals look to build on their series lead when they host the Montreal Canadiens in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round clash on Wednesday night. With Washington entering as a -185 moneyline favorite and the total set at 5.5, MyBookie oddsmakers are expecting another tightly contested, low-scoring battle.
Washington Capitals Outlook:
The Capitals escaped with a 3-2 overtime win in Game 1 thanks to a vintage performance from Alex Ovechkin, who netted two goals — including the game-winner in OT — in a clutch postseason effort. Washington jumped out to a 2-0 lead before allowing Montreal to rally in the third period. Despite the late-game slip, goaltender Logan Thompson stood tall with 33 saves in his playoff debut after returning from an injury.
Anthony Beauvillier and Dylan Strome were crucial in supporting the offense, with Beauvillier scoring and assisting, and Strome racking up helpers on all three goals. Coach Spencer Carbery praised his team’s intensity early in Game 1, but acknowledged they’ll need to sustain that pace across all three periods in Game 2 if they want to avoid another comeback scare. With home-ice advantage and postseason experience on their side, Washington is poised to tighten up and take a more controlled approach to lock down a second win.
Montreal Canadiens Outlook:
Montreal proved they belong in the playoff conversation despite their youth and inexperience. After falling behind 2-0, the Canadiens clawed their way back with third-period goals from Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki — their regular-season leaders and 2021 Cup Finalists. Rookie Lane Hutson made his mark with assists on both tallies, giving the Habs a glimpse of the future and a spark in the present.
Goaltender Sam Montembeault stood strong in his postseason debut, making 29 saves under playoff pressure. Head coach Martin St. Louis, drawing on his deep playoff experience, believes his team settled in and gained composure as the game wore on. Montreal will need to start Game 2 with that same poise and structure if they’re to even the series.
Betting Prediction:
Expect a sharper, more complete effort from the Capitals in Game 2. Their depth, special teams, and playoff-tested leadership give them the edge. While Montreal is showing fight, Washington’s ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities and control possession should lead to another victory.
Prediction: Capitals 3, Canadiens 2
Pick: Washington ML -185
Total: Under 5.5 (+100) – with both goaltenders sharp and defenses tightening up, don’t expect another third-period shootout.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
