The Washington Capitals look to close out their opening-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 this Wednesday. The Capitals secured victories in the initial two home games, then split the road games in Montreal, including a decisive 5-2 win in Game 4 on Sunday, establishing a 3-1 series advantage. While the last three contests have featured multi-goal margins, Game 1 required overtime for Washington to triumph. The puck drops for Wednesday`s matchup at 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Looking at the latest odds, Washington is listed as a -179 money line favorite, with Montreal as a +152 underdog. The total goals over/under is set at 6.0, and Washington holds a -1.5 (+135) advantage on the puck line.
Capitals Money Line (-179)
Washington successfully defended home ice in Games 1 and 2 and holds a commanding position after their 5-2 road victory in Game 4. That win saw them score four times in the third period, with Brandon Duhaime netting two. Dylan Strome also contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, bringing his series total to seven points. Analysis suggests the Capitals have a high probability of winning Game 5 based on performance and simulations.
Nick Suzuki Under 2.5 Shots on Goal (-188)
While Suzuki was impactful in Game 1 with seven shots and a goal, his shot volume has significantly decreased since then, totaling only four shots in the subsequent three games, including just one in Game 4. His regular season average was 2.1 shots per game. Projections estimate him finishing around 1.58 shots in the upcoming game, making the Under at -188 an appealing bet.
Alex Ovechkin Under 3.5 Shots on Goal (+100)
Despite his prominent profile and leading the team with 13 shots in the playoffs so far, Washington`s offense has been spread out, with six other players recording at least eight shots in the series. Ovechkin has also hit the `under` on his shots on goal total in four of his last five home contests. Projections suggest he will register around 3.3 shots in Game 5, indicating potential value for the Under 3.5 bet at +100.
Torin Vale