NHL Predictions: April 23 Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals

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 Montreal Canadiens taking on the Washington Capitals. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

NHL Predictions

Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals

Series Head-to-Head: Canadiens 0-1 Capitals

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: ESPN, CBC, Sportsnet, TVAS; Monumental Sports Network

We open up NHL predictions with our featured game between the Canadiens and the Capitals. Sam Montembeault is the projected starter for Game 2, but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Habs rallied from two goals down to force overtime in Game 1. However, Alex Ovechkin ruined the party with an overtime-winner. Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki scored in the first game for Montreal.

Logan Thompson made 33 saves in the series-opener and will draw the start once against for Washington. Ovechkin’s two goals helped the Capitals overcome a shaky third period that nearly saw them throw the first game away. Washington is looking to advance out of the first round for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018.

Montreal gave a good effort, but Washington takes the 2-0 series lead. The Habs will do everything they can to get the critical split from the first two games in the American capital.

Prediction: Capitals win 3-2.

Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche

Series Head-to-Head: Stars 1-1 Avalanche

Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: ESPN, SN 360, TVAS2; Altitude; Victory

Our second and final game of NHL predictions is the first Game 3 of the post-season. The Dallas Stars will start Jake Oettinger in between the pipes after taking Game 2 in Texas. Dallas rallied after dropping the first game thanks to an overtime-goal from Colin Blackwell. Tyler Seguin and Thomas Harley also posted goals for the Stars in this game.

The Colorado Avalanche should be getting Gabriel Landeskog back for this game. This could provide a major lift seeing the captain return to the lineup for the first time in a long time. The Avalanche is expected to go with Mackenzie Blackwood in the blue paint for this game. Many thought Colorado should take taken Game 2, but it got the split that it wanted out of Dallas.

This is expected to be a heavyweight fight and getting Landeskog should be a big boost. One wonders how the captain will perform against NHL competition. However, he did play some games at the end of the AHL season.

Prediction: Avalanche 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 the featured game of the night for our props. The over/under for the Canadiens and Capitals game is at 5.5 and we feel the under is a solid play. For individual props, go with Lane Hutson to get a power-play point for the Habs. On the Washington side, go with Dylan Strome to get the over on 0.5 assists.

Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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