Habs vs Caps Game 2 Odds, Picks & Predictions (Wednesday, Apr. 23)
By Darren Cooper in NHL Hockey
Published:
- The Washington Capitals host Montreal for Game 2 Wednesday at Capital One Arena following an overtime win in Game 1
- The Caps are a 1.5-goal favorite against the upstart Habs who entered the playoffs with the fewest points of any NHL team.
- Alexander Ovechkin saved the Capitals in Game 1, can he do it again in Game 2? I have your look at the best odds, a prediction and pick for Wednesday night NHL playoff hockey.
Record-breaking Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals (46-37 ATS) look for a 2-0 lead in their first-round series Wednesday when they host Montreal (48-35 ATS).
Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, had his first career OT goal in Monday’s Game 1 win over Montreal.
I thought Game 1 was playoff hockey at its finest, and I think Game 2 could be a thriller. I have your preview of the best odds plus a prediction for Wednesday.
Habs vs Caps Prediction
I’m predicting the Capitals continue their winning ways and take a 2-0 series lead on the Montreal Canadiens tonight. Ovechkin and company are a very tough to bet against at home, where they are 26-9-6 at Capital One Arena.
It’s incredible to think that Ovi has any more firsts in his career, but he found another one Monday in Game 1, scoring his first OT playoff goal of his career.
The other story from Game 1 was the resolve of the Canadiens, who were slammed around in the first two periods and down 2-0 with 10 minutes left by rallied in the third. They also got a big assist from the Caps on their game-tying goal when Connor McMichael basically dragged Caps goalie Logan Thompson out of the crease.
It was up to Ovi to perform some magic, and he did in OT, saving Washington from a bad loss. I think the Caps wil learn from blowing that lead and play a much complete 60-minute game in Game 2 tonight.
So which team is more confident heading into Game 2? Montreal can say it hung in there with the Caps and had a chance to win, while Washington can say nothing can derail them. Capitala fans are on a roller coaster ride, but the team knows they tops in the East for a reason.
Habs vs Caps Pick
- Caps -1.5 (+140 at Caesars)
- Over 5.5 (-125 at Caesars)
Bet $1 & Double Your Winnings On Your First 10 Bets!
Based on my prediction for Game 2, I’m picking the Caps to win by 1.5 goals at juicy +140 odds. As mentioned, they should turn in a more complete game this time around, and were a profitable ATS bet at home during the regular season (23-18). I’m also on Over 5.5 goals, given all the offensive firepower.
I think this is such a fun series. If I were a Caps fan, I’d be scared out of my mind. You’ve had this great season with so much joy, and the last thing you want is to get bounced in the first round by a young team that has nothing to lose.
Habs coach Martin St. Louis said all the right things after the Game 1 loss, noting that his team adjusted to playoff hockey after the first period and had plenty to build on. The pressure is still on Washington here.
Dylan Strome had an uncharacteristically quiet night for Washington in Game 1. I don’t think that will happen in Game 2. Washington still has too much firepower for Montreal and Logan Thompson looked good after missing three weeks.
I didn’t see anything to change my mind about this series. I think Montreal will get a win, but not tonight.
Habs vs Caps Odds
Odds from Caesars as of Wednesday morning. Get ready for the NFL Draft in Green Bay with our best Caesars Sportsbook promo code.
Bet $1 & Double Your Winnings On Your First 10 Bets!
Both teams were great bets against the spread this season. Montreal surged in the last couple of weeks and is 6-1-2 in their last nine games considering the number. The Caps are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
When it comes to the total, both teams are right at .500, but Montreal is 2-7-1 over/under in its last 10. Habs star Cole Caufield has scored in each of his last seven games at Capital One Arena. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki has scored at least one goal in eight of Montreal’s last nine games against East teams.
I see found the best moneyline for Wednesday is Caesars at +170 for Montreal, and BetMGM has Washington at -190.
Sign Up for SBD’s Newsletter Now
Did you want the latest sports betting news, analysis, picks, betting trends, and relevant data straight to your inbox? If so, you’ll want to subscribe to SBD’s newsletter now!
Darren has been covering the world of sports since 1998. His grandfather had a special 'system' to bet on the ponies, but the secrets of that system have been lost to time. He loves betting the under, thinks homefield advantage is worth more than 3 points nowadays and always stays within his means.
