Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Washington Capitals taking on the Montreal Canadiens. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens
Series Head-to-Head: Capitals 2-0 Canadiens
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: CBC; Sportsnet; TVAS; Monumental Sports Network; TNT; TruTV; Max
We open up NHL predictions with the featured game between the Capitals and Canadiens . Logan Thompson is expected to draw the start despite an injury scare in Game 2. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Washington’s offence gets the headlines, but its defence has limited the dynamic Montreal attack to three goals in the first two games. Dylan Strome leads the team in post-season points with four so far.
Sam Montembeault is expected to get his third straight start in the series for Montreal. The Habs have been giving a great effort against the Caps. However, the team needs to start putting pucks in the net if it wants to get back into the series. Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have played well, but they need contributions from others on the roster.
Montreal will be energized by the home crowd at the Bell Centre. However, Washington is the top seed in the East for a reason.
Prediction: Capitals win 3-1.
Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils
Series Head-to-Head: Hurricanes 2-0 Devils
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TBS, SN 360, TVAS2, MSGSN, Fan Duel Sports South; Max
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Carolina Hurricanes looking to go up 3-0 against the New Jersey Devils . Frederik Andersen is the expected starter for Carolina, which has only given up one goal a game in the first two in Raleigh. Jordan Martinook is the unexpected point-leader for the Hurricanes with three this post-season. Logan Stankoven has a pair of goals in the first two games.
Jacob Markstrom is projected to get the start once again for the Devils. Goals have been hard to come by for New Jersey without Jack Hughes and others on the roster. The Devils need to figure things out quickly if they stand a chance at turning things around.
Carolina hasn’t given any reason to think it won’t be a quick series. New Jersey should get a lift with the series shifting to Newark. However, the injuries and lack of offence are massive holes.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our prop bets. The over/under for the Capitals and Canadiens is 5.5 and we think the under is another strong play.
For individual props, go with Alex Ovechkin to tally a goal for the Capitals. On the Canadiens end of things, take Suzuki to record an assist.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly. Check your local rules and age restrictions. Some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
The post NHL Predictions: April 25 Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .