Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals: Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Game 1 Preview & Odds (Apr. 21)
The Washington Capitals host the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series at Capital One Arena. The Capitals enter as favorites after a stellar regular season, while Montreal secured the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with a late-season surge.
Hockey goalie makes save
Key Injuries:
- Capitals: Logan Thompson (upper body) - Questionable
- Capitals: Aliaksei Protas (foot) - Doubtful
- Canadiens: Rafael Harvey-Pinard (undisclosed) - Out
Best Available Odds:
- Capitals -1.5 (+134 FanDuel)
- Canadiens +165 (Bet365)
- Over 5.5 goals (-130 FanDuel)
- Over/Under ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 across books
Recent History:
- Montreal won last meeting 3-2 (OT) on January 10
- 4 of last 5 matchups had 6+ total goals
- Cole Caufield has scored in 3 straight vs Capitals
- Montreal has covered last 9 Monday road games
Game 1 Analysis: While Montreal brings momentum after their playoff-clinching run, Washington holds significant advantages in talent and playoff experience. Even if Thompson can't start, backup Charlie Lindgren (3-1 career vs Montreal) provides reliable netminding.
Prediction: Capitals win comfortably at home. Take Washington -1.5 (+134) and Over 5.5 goals (-130). Expect Montreal to potentially steal Game 3 at home, but Game 1 should go to the Capitals.
Dylan Strome's hat trick last night fell on the 3 year anniversary of his dog Wrigley's passing 🥺(via: @BaileyAJohnson_)
Logan Thompson, in a new pad setup, is on the ice and skating before practice at Capital One.