Canadiens vs Capitals Prediction 4/23/25 NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Canadiens vs Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Wednesday, April 23rd at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview

The Montreal Canadiens are down 1-0 in the series after losing in overtime by a score of 3-2 in game one. Montreal failed to score in the first two periods, but they scored twice late in the third, before losing in overtime. The Canadiens recorded 35 shots on goal, won 52.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Montreal got goals from Caufield and Suzuki, while Montembeault stopped 29 out of 32 shots in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Canadiens defeated the Hurricanes by a score of 4-2, but did lose to Chicago by a score of 4-3 before that. Montreal has lost four of their last five games and they finished fifth in the Atlantic standings with 91 points. Montreal has scored 2.96 goals per game and they have allowed 3.18 goals against per game, while also going 20.1% on the power play and 80.9% on the penalty kill this season. Nick Suzuki led Montreal in the regular season with 30 goals, 59 assists, and 172 shots on goal, while Cole Caufield added 37 goals, 33 assists, and 240 shots on goal. Sam Montembeault was 31-24-7 with a 2.82 goals against average and a .902 save percentage in the regular season. 

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are up 1-0 in the series after an overtime victory in game one. Washington got one goal in the first and one in the second, but couldn’t hold onto the lead in regulation, before getting a goal by Ovechkin for the win. The Capitals recorded 32 shots on goal, won 47.4% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Beauvillier and Ovechkin (2), while Thompson stopped 33 out of 35 shots in the game. 

Prior to that dramatic win, the Capitals lost to the Penguins by a score of 5-2, but did beat the Islanders by a score of 3-1 before that. Washington has lost three of their last five games and they finished first in the Metro standings with 111 points. Washington has scored 3.49 goals per game and they have allowed 2.79 goals against per game, while also going 23.5% on the power play and 82% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome led Washington during the regular season with 29 goals, 53 assists, and 149 shots on goal, while Alex Ovechkin added 44 goals, 29 assists, and 237 shots on goal. Logan Thompson was 31-6-6 with a 2.49 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this year. 

Why the Canadiens will beat the Capitals 

• The Capitals have lost each of their last four Game 2s of a playoff series.
• The underdogs have won two of the Capitals’ last three games at Capital One Arena.
• The Canadiens have covered the puck line in eight of their last nine games against Eastern Conference opponents after coming off overtime.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four games following a win.
• The Canadiens have won the third period in each of their last three games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents when leading after the second period.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Capitals’ last three games after coming off overtime have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Six of the Canadiens’ last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last six games following a win.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in nine of the Canadiens’ last 11 games as underdogs.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Alex Ovechkin has scored the first goal in three of the Capitals’ last four night games at Capital One Arena.
• Alex Ovechkin has scored at least one goal in each of the Capitals’ last five games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Dylan Strome has recorded at least one assist in each of the Capitals’ last five games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Aliaksei Protas has recorded at least one point in each of his last 10 appearances with the Capitals as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Trevor van Riemsdyk has recorded two points against the Canadiens this season – equal-most against any opponent.

Montreal Canadiens Player Prop Facts

• Nick Suzuki has scored at least one goal in each of the Canadiens’ last five night games at Capital One Arena.
• Lane Hutson has recorded at least one assist in each of the Canadiens’ last four games as underdogs against the Capitals.
• Nick Suzuki has recorded at least one point in each of the Canadiens’ last 13 games as underdogs against the Capitals.
• Ivan Demidov has recorded two hits against the Capitals this season – most against any opponent.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Washington Capitals are one of seven teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
• The Washington Capitals rank T8th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.79).
• The Montreal Canadiens are one of only four teams to lose a game when leading by 3 or more goals after Period 1 this season.
• The Montreal Canadiens are one of only five teams to win 8+ games when trailing after Period 2 this season.

Canadiens vs Capitals Prediction 

Washington was able to survive game one in this series in overtime, but they need to play much better if they expect to win this series. I was impressed with how Montreal played and I think they will only get better as the series goes on and the young guys get more experience. The Canadiens played very well in the third period of game one and I think that momentum can carry over here. I expect a fast start from Montreal and I like them to even the series with a win. 

David Racey's Pick: Canadiens ML