The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are well underway, and Washington’s power-packed offense meets the Canadiens’ fiery reg-season finish in Game 1. The stakes are massive, and both teams are geared to light up the scoreboard. Expect Ovechkin and Strome to dominate, while Montreal’s youth gets its first taste of true playoff pressure. This one has all the makings of a high-octane, high-scoring thriller. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for tonight’s NHL clash in the East between the Capitals and the Canadiens.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Capitals vs. Canadiens prediction, preview
Washington, with their top-tier offense averaging 3.49 goals per game, may have seen some late-season struggles, but they remain a juggernaut in the attacking zone. Their power play, ranked 13th in the league at 23.5%, has a chance to thrive against a Montreal penalty kill that’s had its fair share of vulnerability. The Capitals’ offense is deep, and with Ovechkin and Strome firing at will, their explosive attack is primed to do damage.
The Canadiens, meanwhile, may have earned their spot with a strong stretch run but face a significant uphill battle here. Their defense hasn’t been able to keep pace with high-powered offenses all season, allowing 3.18 goals per game, ranking them 22nd. Their penalty kill, however, ranks in the top 10 at 80.9%, which might give them a fighting chance on the man advantage. The real wild card? Sam Montembeault. With a .912 save percentage in his last 20 games, he has shown he can be the rock under pressure, but even his heroics will struggle to keep Washington’s onslaught at bay for long.
Look closer, and the momentum tells the story here: Washington’s top line—featuring the legendary Ovechkin—is clicking at 4.69 goals per 60 minutes, a mark that places them among the elite in the NHL. While Montreal has been able to keep pace at times, they will need their top offensive line of Caufield, Suzuki, and Hutson—averaging 4.17 goals per 60 minutes—to stay hot against Washington’s shutdown defense. Even with their youthful energy, the Canadiens are going to need a goalie-of-the-century performance from Montembeault to hang in this one.
Canadiens vs. Capitals pick, best bet
With both sides known for their offensive firepower, this game is destined to hit the over. Washington’s Ovechkin—a 44-goal scorer this season—won’t just be lighting up the scoreboard, he’ll be setting the tone early, and the Canadiens have enough offensive flair to make sure this game isn’t a snoozer. With the Canadiens averaging 2.96 goals per game and the Capitals’ recent defensive lapses, it’s hard to see this game not tipping over 6.5 goals, astronomic though that total seems.
With Montembeault in net, the Canadiens will face a difficult task, especially when considering Washington’s recent home success: six of their last seven night games against Atlantic Division teams have gone over. Montreal, meanwhile, has seen five of their last six games after a win hit the under, but Washington’s dynamic attack is bound to test their limits. With the Capitals’ depth and Montreal’s defensive vulnerabilities, Over 6.5 is the smart play here.
Best bet: Capitals vs. Canadiens o6.5 (+115)
Tail the lamp to get lit so much it short circuits tonight in DC with me in the DKN betting group here!
