Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals Betting Picks

It has been more than a month since Washington has won more than two consecutive games. The Capitals are going for their third straight victory today, having defeated both the Kings and Oilers at home. Washington defeated Edmonton, 7-4, last night. Now Washington has to go to the always tough Bell Centre to play a Montreal team desperate for a win after four losses in a row, the last coming on the road to the Blue Jackets, 4-3, in a shootout three days ago. The Capitals are 1-5 in their previous six away games. Montreal has more points on the season than Washington, even with its current four-game losing skid. The Canadiens rank fifth in goals scored per game at 3.3. Washington is 24th in scoring at 2.8 goals per game. The Capitals' defense has been slipping. After leading the league in fewest goals allowed per game, Washington is now third. The Capitals are giving up 3.5 goals a game during their last four games and are projected to start backup Charlie Lindgren in net after Logan Thompson played last night. Take the Canadiens.

Montreal is down 3-1 but plays hard for this coaching staff. They've been a handful for Washington, with an overtime in Game 1, a 3-1 Game 2 Caps win that came right down to the final minute, and a 6-3 win in Game 3 as an underdog. The Canadiens are on a 16-14 run, including two wins over defending champion Florida as underdogs of +240 and +175. In Game 3, Montreal outshot Washington 40-21 and outhit them 45-26 in a game that had a bench brawl and both starting goalies getting injuries. In Game 4, the Canadiens outhit the Caps 34-26 and led 2-1 in the third period before the Capitals rallied. Washington is on a 7-9 run, losing as chalk of -140, -310, -150, -165, along with a 4-8 playoff run. Play Montreal. 

Washington took the first two games at home, but it wasn't easy, both close all the way. Then Montreal rolled in Game 3, 6-3, as Washington had 17 giveaways. The Capitals are on a 6-9 run, losing as chalk of -140, -310, -150, -165, and -120. Washington is also on a 3-8 playoff run. Meanwhile, Montreal is home again on a 16-13 run, including a shutout of Carolina (4-0) as a +180 dog, plus two wins over defending champion Florida as underdogs of +240 and +175. The Canadiens play hard for this coach, going on a 7-1-2 run down the stretch to reach the playoffs. In Game 3, Montreal outshot Washington 40-21 and outhit them 45-26. Play Montreal.