Montreal Canadiens - Washington Capitals predictions and free betting tips [18/02/2024]

The puck drops for a regular season NHL match for the 2023-2024 season, featuring opponents from the Eastern Conference. Hockey fans are in for a treat as the Washington Capitals square off against the Montreal Canadiens.

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals have competed in 52 official regular season NHL games for the 2023-2024 season. The Capitals recorded 54 points from 52 matches, positioning them at 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Washington's performance this season has been mediocre, with a risk of missing out on the Stanley Cup playoffs. Currently, Washington sits 12th in the Eastern Conference, six points behind 8th placed Detroit. The main issue for the Capitals is the difficulty in finding consistency, resulting in frequent point losses.

While the Capitals used to alternate between three losses and two wins, of late the only consistent highlight for their fans has been the goals from Alexander Ovechkin, who is nearing a record. Among their competitors, Washington stands out for their goal ratio, scoring fewer than only the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks. Brutal recent matches have seen the Capitals suffer eight losses from their last nine games, with their only victory coming against Boston.

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadian team has played 54 official matches in the NHL's regular 2023-2024 season. The Canadiens have managed to accumulate 52 points from these 54 matches, which leaves them in 13th place in the Eastern Conference table, ahead of only Columbus, Ottawa, and Buffalo. The glory days of the Canadiens are behind them. Now, one of the NHL's most famous teams is battling for a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs, far from being top league contenders. Montreal currently sits at 13th place in the standings with eight fewer points than 8th placed Detroit.

This 2023-2024 season is proving average for Montreal, considering the strength of the Canadian squad and its competitors. This Canadian club is maxing out its players in every match and aiming to finish in the top eight at the end of the regular season. The Canadiens’ main downside is their conceded goal tally, which is larger than many of their weaker competitors and equal to Columbus – the worst team in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens have gained only two victories from their last five matches, outplaying Anaheim and Washington.

Head-to-Head

Washington and Montreal have faced off in 60 official matches. The scoreboard favours the Capitals with 37 wins to 23 for the Canadiens.

Total Prediction

The Montreal Canadiens' individual total (ITO) will be over two goals.

Prediction

The Montreal Canadiens will win in regular time. Despite both teams struggling in recent matches with rare victories, the Canadian club still offers glimmers of hope and bright moments. On the other hand, Washington's performances are exclusively negative, and their victory over Boston seems to have been due to the opposition's lax attitude.