Ovechkin’s Capitals Host Canadiens in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Washington Capitals will look to build on their momentum as they host the Montreal Canadiens in Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs first round on Wednesday evening. Coming off a thrilling Game 1, which saw the Capitals edge the Canadiens 3-2 in overtime with a decisive goal from star player Alex Ovechkin, the series promises to be competitive.
Recap of Game 1
In a nail-biting finish, the Canadiens managed to rally in the third period, scoring two goals to send the game into overtime. However, Ovechkin’s late-game heroics proved pivotal, as he netted the game-winner right from in front of the net, highlighting his experience and skill in crucial playoff moments. The Capitals secured their playoff position after taking two out of three games against Montreal during the regular season.
Game Details and Betting Information
The matchup is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET puck drop at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Currently, the Capitals are listed as a -182 favorite on the money line, meaning a bet of $182 would win $100. The Canadiens, on the other hand, are viewed as +152 underdogs, implying a winning bet of $100 could yield $152. The betting line indicates an over/under of 6 total goals for the game, with the Capitals also favored by 1.5 goals at +140 on the puck line.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NHL game 10,000 times, shows a respectable record of 78-54 on top-rated NHL puck line and over/under picks, claiming nearly $1,600 in returns for $100 players. The model is a trusted source for NHL predictions, particularly for fans looking to make informed betting decisions.
Best Bets for Game 2
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Canadiens +1.5 on the Puck Line (-169): Despite having seven players making their playoff debuts, the Canadiens proved their resilience in Game 1. Under the guidance of head coach Martin St. Louis, Montreal has shown they can keep games close against seasoned teams, which may lead the SportsLine model to predict a likely cover on the puck line in 60% of simulations.
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Alex Ovechkin Anytime Goalscorer (+115): Known for his remarkable scoring ability, Ovechkin continues to impress, especially during the playoffs where he now has a career total of 74 goals in 152 postseason games. He has scored nine goals in nine games during April, including one in the opening game against Montreal. Ovechkin is listed at +115 to find the back of the net at any point in Game 2, making him a strong candidate for scoring.
- Cole Caufield 1+ Points (-128): Caufield has been highlighted as a key player for the Canadiens, recently contributing to his team’s comeback with a goal in Game 1. With at least one point in eight of his last ten games in April, he is expected to play a significant role in Montreal’s offensive strategy. Placing a bet on Caufield to register at least one point is considered a smart move, currently set at -128.
Conclusion
As Game 2 approaches, the excitement around this matchup is palpable. With Ovechkin leading the way for Washington and emerging talent like Cole Caufield for Montreal, fans can expect an intense, action-packed game. The stakes are high, especially given the close nature of Game 1. The outcome of this match could be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the series, potentially impacting both teams’ playoff identities as they seek to make a deep run in the championship hunt. Ottawa’s determination and Washington’s experience could create a compelling narrative that unfolds over the course of this round.
