- The Capitals can close out their first-round series with a win over Montreal Wednesday night in Game 5 at the Capital One Center
- Washington leads the series 3-1 and is 1.5-goal favorites, but hasn’t won a playoff series since 2018
- Can Montreal keep things alive? I’ve got your close look at the best props for Wednesday, plus a prediction and final pick for Game 5
After a Game 4 comeback victory, the East top seed Washington Capitals (48-38 ATS) can eliminate the Montreal Canadiens (49-37) with a win Wednesday night.
The Capitals are 9-1 in their last 10 games at home and have outscored Montreal 14-11 in the series.
I know Washington fans are worried, but I’m all set with a prediction, special picks and some prop bets you should consider for Wednesday night.
Canadiens vs Capitals Prediction Game 5
I predict the Capitals will close it out with a strong performance. Montreal led 2-1 entering the third period of Game 4, but Washington seized back the momentum and pulled away to win 5-2. All of Montreal’s momentum from a Game 3 win is gone.
Another reason why I am predicting a Caps win is the fact that Canadiens’ starting keeper, Sam Montembeault, is probably out with a lower-body injury. His replacement, Jakub Dobes, broke down late. He’s 3-3-2 in his last 10 games played with a goals against average of 3.05.
Washington has had terrible first-round performances lately. They were swept in the first round by the Rangers in 2024, lost 4-2 to Florida in 2022, lost 4-1 to Boston in 2021, and 4-1 to the Islanders in 2020. In 2019, the Caps were up 3-2 on Carolina but lost the series in double overtime in game 7. That’s the last potential series-clinching game Washington played.
Tonight is about ending that frustration.
Canadiens vs Capitals Picks
Game 4 looked like a rout on the scoreboard thanks to a pair of empty net goals, and I am thinking the exact same thing is going to happen tonight. Washington will have a late lead, and the Canadiens will pull their goalie, because who cares if you lose by 1 goal or 2 or 3 in an elimination game? That’s the reason I like the over Wednesday too. It’ll be a late cover.
Montreal’s issue is an offense that has suddenly vanished. After 40 Montreal shots in Game 3, Washington goalie Logan Thompson made 16 saves on just 18 shots by Montreal in Game 4. Thompson, who had to come out of Game 3 with an injury, probably isn’t 100 percent, but he was barely tested in Game 4.
Canadians vs. Capitals Props to Bet
I found a bunch of prop bets on BetMGM for Canadiens vs Capitals that I like.
0-0 at end of first period (+375 at BetMGM)
Neither team scored in the first period of Game 4, and neither even had that good of a scoring chance. There have been three goals scored in the first period of this series. I like this prop because both teams will come out cautious early.
Dylan Strome anytime goal scorer (+210 at BetMGM)
Strome has two goals and five assists this series, and in 15 career games against Montreal, he has lit the lamp seven times. He’s had at least one point in 13 of his last 14 games against Montreal, which is a big reason to bet this prop. He’s also scored a goal in six of the last 10 home games.
Nick Suzuki over 2.5 shots (+140 at BetMGM)
Montreal needs to find offense from someone tonight, and Suzuki is due to break through. He’s scored at least one goal in four of Montreal’s last five games in Washington. He only had one shot in Game 4, but had three in Game 3 and seven in Game 1. Suzuki averages right at 2.2 shots per game this season. This is a good bet for him tonight.
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The Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals are set to face off in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on April 30th, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the series tied at 2-2, both teams will be looking to gain the upper hand and take control of the series.
The Canadiens come into Game 5 with momentum on their side after a thrilling overtime victory in Game 4. Carey Price has been stellar in net for Montreal, and their young core of players, including Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, have been stepping up in a big way. The Canadiens will be looking to continue their strong play and take a lead in the series.
On the other hand, the Capitals will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss in Game 4. Alex Ovechkin has been leading the way for Washington, and their depth scoring has been impressive throughout the series. The Capitals will need to tighten up defensively and get more production from their secondary scorers if they want to come out on top in Game 5.
In terms of predictions, this game is shaping up to be a close one. Both teams have shown that they are capable of winning games in different ways, and it could come down to a few key moments or bounces of the puck. However, I believe that the Canadiens will come out on top in Game 5. Price has been playing at an elite level, and Montreal’s young players have been rising to the occasion when it matters most.
As for picks and betting props, there are a few options to consider for this game. The over/under for total goals scored is set at 5.5, and I would lean towards the under in this matchup. Both Price and Washington’s goaltender have been playing well, and I expect a tight, low-scoring affair.
In terms of player props, keep an eye on Suzuki and Ovechkin. Suzuki has been a standout performer for the Canadiens, and I expect him to continue his strong play in Game 5. Ovechkin is always a threat to score, especially on the power play, so look for him to make an impact for the Capitals.
Overall, Game 5 between the Canadiens and Capitals is shaping up to be a thrilling matchup with plenty of betting opportunities. Keep an eye on key players and trends leading up to the game, and make your picks accordingly. Good luck!