Face-off: 1900 ET, 16/04/2022
Arena: Centre Bell
Washington have taken care of Montreal twice already this season and look a solid selection to confirm that superiority at Centre Bell.
However, the Canadiens played better in last night’s 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders than the scoreline suggests, so this could be closer.
Let’s go with 7.75 for an away win in regular time by just one goal to start our Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals predictions.
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Montreal Canadiens Odds
Montreal fell to a fourth straight defeat against the Islanders but it should be noted that they outshot their visitors 44-20.
Ilya Sorokin starred in his seventh shutout and the Canadiens conceded three times in the final period of a hard-fought contest.
One plus point for the hosts was veteran goaltender Carey Price coming through his first start since last season’s Stanley Cup final.
“I think he’s been the heart and soul of this organisation for a long time,” said coach Martin St Louis.
“He’s been a reason why they’ve had some great playoff runs and great teams.”
Sam Montembeault will come back in tonight and Montreal will be keen to give their fans something to cheer about going forward.
They netted more than once in 13 straight games at this venue before last night and can get back on track up front.
However, we still favour NHL odds.
That bet would have come in when Washington beat Montreal 6-3 in November and 5-2 in February!
Washington Capitals Odds
Washington have already done enough to earn a wild card spot but still have a chance of catching Pittsburgh for third in the Metropolitan.
Their cause wasn’t helped by Thursday’s 7-3 drubbing at Toronto but the Capitals had previously rattled off four consecutive victories.
Having struggled to cope with the speed of the Maple Leafs, Washington will look to control the puck better here.
Center Nicklas Backstrom said: “I think you’ve just got to forget about this one and put it aside and focus on the next one.
“Every game we’re playing right now is a big game, so we’ve just got to get ready for the next game and make sure we’re focused.”
At least John Carlson continued his hot streak against Toronto, posting a goal and an assist to make it 11 points in five outings.
The Capitals have a great record in the third period this term, being up 92-62, whereas Montreal are 58-96 down in the same section.
Those stats make 2.55 for the visitors to win the final stanza and score more than once worth support in our NHL predictions.
Additional stats
Last result:
MONTREAL 0-3 New York Islanders
Toronto 7-3 WASHINGTON
Season head-to-head: Montreal 2-5 Washington, Washington 6-3 Montreal
