Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin, and the Washington Capitals will face off against Tomas Tatar, Max Domi, and the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre for an Eastern Conference tilt. The opening face-off takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 19, and it can be viewed live on NBC Sports Washington.
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens Odds
Montreal is 11-9 straight up (SU) and has netted moneyline bettors 4.0 units this season. That early-season winning percentage is a welcomed improvement over the 29-53 record from the 2017-18 season campaign. Through 20 regular season matches, 10 of its games have gone over the total, while nine have gone under and just one has pushed. The team is 6-4 SU at home this year.
The Canadiens have converted on just 13.7 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that places them in the bottom-5 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 15th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 80.9 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 27.5 saves per game with a .904 save percentage, Carey Price (7-7-3) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Habs this season. If the Habs, however, choose to give him the night off, head coach Claude Julien could turn to Antti Niemi (4-2-2 record, .887 save percentage, 3.74 goals against average).
Washington has lost 3.1 units for moneyline bettors this year and is currently 9-10 straight up (SU). A total of 10 of its outings have gone over the total, while eight have gone under the total and just one has pushed. The Capitals are 4-5 SU as the visiting team this season.
The Capitals have converted on 29.0 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that places it in the top-five among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 28th overall and it’s successfully killed off 73.2 percent of all penalties.
Braden Holtby (27.8 saves per game) has been the primary option in goal for Washington. Holtby has five wins, eight losses, and three OT losses to his credit, and has registered a .900 save percentage and 3.24 goals against average this year.
Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens Betting Picks
Prediction: SU Winner – Capitals, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes
The Canadiens are 2-0 in games decided by shootout. The Capitals are 1-1 in shootouts.
For both of these clubs, the game went over the total in three of their past five outings.
Washington has managed 29.6 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while Montreal has been attempting 35.6 shots per game over its last five home outings.
Five of Montreal’s last ten games have been decided by two or more goals. The club is 1-4 overall in those games.
This game features two of the more physical defenses in the league. Washington skaters have accounted for the league’s 11th-most hits per game (22.7) and the Habs have registered the fourth-most (26.2).
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