Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals Game 2 Pick – 4/23/2025

Game 2 of the first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals is set for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The Capitals hold a 1-0 series lead after a tightly contested 3-2 overtime victory in Game 1. Montreal aims to bounce back and even the series before heading home, while Washington looks to capitalize on their home-ice advantage.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals Game 2 Preview

In Game 1, the Capitals secured a 3-2 overtime win, with Alex Ovechkin scoring the decisive goal. The Canadiens demonstrated resilience, forcing overtime despite being outshot. Nick Suzuki, Montreal's captain, contributed significantly, continuing his impressive season where he recorded 30 goals and 89 points.

Montreal's offense relies heavily on Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Rookie defenseman Lane Hutson has also emerged as a key contributor, leading all NHL rookies with 30 points in 40 games. However, the Canadiens face challenges with injuries, notably the absence of center Kirby Dach due to a knee injury.

Washington's offense is spearheaded by Ovechkin, who has a history of success against Montreal, tallying 34 goals and 26 assists in 53 regular-season games. The Capitals' depth is evident, with Dylan Strome and Evgeny Kuznetsov providing additional scoring threats. Goaltender Logan Thompson posted a 31-6-6 record during the regular season, with a .910 save percentage and 2.49 goals-against average.

Betting Insights

• Moneyline: Capitals -196, Canadiens +162
• Spread: Capitals -1.5
• Total Goals (Over/Under): 5.5

The Capitals are favored to win Game 2, with a moneyline of -196. The over/under is set at 5.5 goals, reflecting expectations of a moderately high-scoring game. Washington's home performance has been strong, and their offensive depth gives them an edge. Montreal's ability to keep games close, as seen in Game 1, suggests they can cover the spread even if they don't secure a win.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals Game 2 Prediction

1. Moneyline Pick: Capitals (-196)
2. Total Goals Pick: Over 5.5
3. Spread Pick: Canadiens +1.5

The Capitals are likely to leverage their home-ice advantage and offensive depth to secure a win in Game 2. However, the Canadiens have shown they can compete closely, making the +1.5 spread an attractive option for bettors. The over 5.5 goals bet is also appealing, given both teams' offensive capabilities and the potential for another closely contested game.

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