NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview Washington Capitals @ Montréal Canadiens
The Washington Capitals enter Thursday’s matchup seeking their third straight victory after a decisive offensive surge, while the Montreal Canadiens attempt to stabilize following a slide that has undone their strong start. These teams met in last spring’s opening round, when Washington eliminated Montreal in five games; however, both clubs now face distinctly different challenges at the quarter pole of the current season.
Montreal opened with nine wins in its first 12 games but has since dropped four straight (0-3-1) and six of seven overall. Key injuries, defensive breakdowns and a sharp drop in goal scoring have fueled the skid. Still, the Canadiens’ last two losses have been tight, including Monday’s shootout defeat in Columbus in which they erased a two-goal deficit in the third period. As the Canadiens continue a homestand, top scorers Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield remain capable of lifting the offense if secondary support emerges.
Unlock NHL Predictions for Just $9
First month special — cancel anytime
Washington, once mired in an 8-of-10 slump, has suddenly found traction. Their 7-4 win Wednesday over Edmonton included multi-goal performances from rookie Ryan Leonard and Tom Wilson, along with Alex Ovechkin scoring in his third consecutive game. With improved finishing and deeper contributions, the Capitals look closer to the team that pushed into the postseason last year. Logan Thompson delivered 26 saves in the win, but Charlie Lindgren is expected to start Thursday against his former club.
Odds and Key Information
- Venue: Bell Centre (Montreal)
- Date: Thursday, November 20
- Capitals Moneyline: +102
- Canadiens Moneyline: -123
- Puck Line: MTL -1.5 (+197) | WSH +1.5 (-247)
- Total: 6.0 (O -114 / U -108)
Access full league pages and advanced splits via the NHL teams index.
Washington Outlook
Washington may have found its offensive stride at the perfect time. The Capitals followed a 2-1 defensive win over Los Angeles with a wide-open 7-4 performance against Edmonton, featuring pace, forechecking pressure and multi-layer zone entries that Edmonton could not contain. Rookie Ryan Leonard produced his first NHL multi-goal game, showcasing his strength and confidence in the offensive zone.
Alex Ovechkin has re-ignited his scoring touch, finding the net in three straight games while pushing transition attacks with more pace. John Carlson continues to drive offense from the blue line, recording three assists Wednesday while logging over 25 minutes of ice time. Connor McMichael’s three-assist outing reinforced the improved puck movement throughout the top six.
Washington still lacks consistency. Defensive-zone exits have been a challenge, and the team has been vulnerable to extended shifts and rebound chances. The absence of center Nic Dowd slightly weakens the bottom-six defensive structure. Even so, the Capitals have improved in blocked shots and transition coverage, giving them steadier support in front of Lindgren.
Lindgren, who is projected to start, has posted a 3-1-0 mark in five career appearances against Montreal. His recent win over Los Angeles featured strong lateral movement and efficient post integration—key elements if Washington is to contain Caufield, Suzuki and the Canadiens’ net-front activity.
Montreal Outlook
Montreal’s early-season momentum has dissipated as defensive lapses and injuries continue to mount. The Canadiens have been outscored 18-6 at even strength over their last four games, and Jake Allen and Sam Montembeault have faced a heavy shot diet due to lost puck battles and coverage breakdowns.
However, there are signs of progress. The Canadiens controlled the second half of Monday’s game in Columbus, rallying from a two-goal deficit with speed through the neutral zone and improved cycle pressure. Lane Hutson delivered a goal and an assist while flashing high-end mobility and distribution, potentially signaling a bigger role ahead.
Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield remain steady scoring options—Suzuki with 21 points and Caufield with a team-high 13 goals. Montreal ranks top ten in both goals scored (63) and blocks (312), demonstrating a willingness to disrupt cycles and suppress perimeter shots.
Montembeault is expected to start and faces a Washington team that generated heavy slot traffic Wednesday. His career numbers versus Washington (2-3-0, 3.49 GAA, .893 save percentage) indicate vulnerability when faced with elite shooters like Ovechkin, but Montreal’s tighter defensive pressure in recent periods provides some optimism.
Key Matchup Table
| Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| Goaltending | Capitals (slight) |
| Power Play | Even |
| Penalty Kill | Capitals |
| Scoring Depth | Canadiens |
| Physicality | Capitals |
| Home-Ice Impact | Canadiens |
Betting Trends
- Capitals: 2-1 SU in their last 3
- Capitals: 7-5 SU as favorites this season
- Capitals: 9-8 on the puck line overall
- Canadiens: 0-3 SU in their last 3
- Canadiens: 4-1 to the over in their last 5
- Canadiens: 7-4 to the over this season
More actionable angle tracking can be found on the NHL picks page.
The Lean
These teams enter in contrasting form. Washington’s offense looks revitalized, but the Capitals played Wednesday night and now travel, creating a scheduling disadvantage. Montreal has struggled to finish games but has controlled long stretches of play recently and typically feeds off energy at the Bell Centre.
With fresher legs and superior recent shot-quality metrics, Montreal holds the slight edge.
Projected Score: Montreal 4, Washington 3
Moneyline: Montreal -123
Total: Over 6.0 (-114)
Given both teams’ recent scoring trends and defensive volatility, the over carries strong value.
Why You Need Expert Picks
NHL handicapping becomes significantly more complex when teams enter on back-to-backs, rotate goalies, or face uneven travel schedules. This matchup includes all three variables. That’s why many bettors lean on validated analysts found on the best handicappers leaderboard. Their models integrate pace-of-play metrics, expected-goals rates, and real-time odds shifts from the NHL scores and odds board.
Using resources like the expert NHL betting guide helps bettors avoid common pitfalls such as overvaluing rest or overlooking matchup-specific vulnerabilities. These tools help identify profitable puck-line opportunities, assess goalie workloads, and evaluate sportsbook value—reinforced by insights from the sportsbook reviews section.
