Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens Betting Preview
Where: Bell Centre, Montreal
When: Monday, January 9, 2017, 7:30 PM ET
Line: Washington Capitals (-105) vs. Montreal Canadiens (-115); total: 5.0 – view all NHL lines
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Betting on the Washington Capitals (25-9-5)
Moneyline: -105
Year 2017 has been smooth so far for the Capitals. Powered by excellent play on both ends of the ice, the Capitals have won all of their last five games dating back to December 31. Perhaps most notable of those wins were their 5-0 annihilation of the then streaking Columbus last week.
The Capitals have outscored their opponents, 20-8 during their current win streak. And later tonight, they will look to extend their success in Montreal, where they appear to enjoy pseudo home-ice advantage. See, the Capitals are an impressive 9-1 in their last 10 games at Bell Centre dating back to 2011. Hopefully, a seemingly favorable location would also translate to better offense for the Capitals, who lost at home to Montreal, 2-1, back in December 17.
Justin Williams could be that guy to spark the Caps’ offensive attack later tonight. The veteran has been hot of late, scoring three goals and dishing out four assists in his last five outings.
Braden Holtby and the Caps’ blueline, meanwhile, will have to watch out for Montreal’s power play that has produced four goals in the last two games. Holtby remains a beast in front of the net this season, ranking second in the league in GAA and third in SV%. He stopped 23 of 25 shots in the first meeting with Montreal.
Betting on the Montreal Canadiens (25-9-6)
Moneyline: -115
After a lengthy and tiring seven-game road trip that saw them go 4-1-2, the Habs are finally back at home again. The Habs played a total of five overtimes during that stretch but will come into tonight’s showdown with the Caps riding a three-game win streak.
The Habs, who defeated Toronto on Saturday, 5-3, have ripped success of late despite the absences of Alex Galchenyuk (knee) and Andrei Markov (groin). Both players are unlikely to see action later tonight so much of the pressure to deliver on offense will fall again on the likes of Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov, who pace the team with 19 and 10 goals, respectively.
Like Washington, the Canadiens boast of a brick wall of a goalie in Care Price. Price, however, was shaky in the Toronto game, allowing three goals out of the 36 shots he’s faced. On the season, Price is 20-5-4 with a 2.06 GAA and .930 SV%.
The Habs are 5-5 in their last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Washington (-105) wins, 3-2.
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