The Washington Capitals hold a 1-0 series lead as they prepare to host the Montreal Canadiens in Game 2 of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs on Wednesday. In Game 1 on Monday night, the Canadiens mounted a rally with two goals in the third period to push the game into overtime. However, Washington captain Alex Ovechkin ultimately secured the victory for the Capitals with a goal from close range. Washington also had the edge over Montreal during the regular season, winning two of their three meetings.
Puck drop for Game 2 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. The latest odds list Washington as the favorite on the money line at -183, while Montreal is the underdog at +153. The over/under for total goals scored is set at 5.5. Washington is also favored on the puck line at -1.5 with odds of +142. These odds and predictions are often influenced by sports modeling.
Predictive models, like those that simulate games thousands of times, are used to analyze potential outcomes. Some models have shown historical success in predicting results on the NHL puck line and over/under bets.
Based on analysis and potential model insights, here are some notable betting opportunities for Game 2:
Canadiens +1.5 on the puck line (-172)
Montreal`s roster includes several players making their NHL playoffs debut, yet the team demonstrated resilience in Game 1, pushing an experienced Capitals squad to overtime. The Canadiens have played tight games against Washington recently, losing by only a single goal in their last two matchups. This close performance suggests the Canadiens are capable of covering the puck line spread, which some models indicate they do in a significant percentage of simulations.
Alex Ovechkin Anytime Goalscorer (+115)
Alex Ovechkin, widely known as “The Great 8,” has been in impressive scoring form throughout April, tallying nine goals in nine games. This includes scoring both the opening goal and the game-winner in Game 1. Ovechkin has been effective against Montreal this season, with three goals in three games, adding to his career playoff total of 74 goals in 152 games. Odds are available for Ovechkin to score at any point during Game 2.
Cole Caufield 1+ Points (-128)
Cole Caufield has been a consistent offensive threat for Montreal. He has recorded at least one point in eight of his last ten games in April. Caufield was instrumental in Montreal`s third-period comeback in Game 1, scoring the goal that started the rally. Odds are available for Caufield to register at least one point in Game 2.
