The Washington Capitals (10-8-2) and Montreal Canadiens (10-6-3) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EST at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Canadiens are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (+105o / -125u). The Canadiens are a -135 favorite to win outright, while the Capitals are +114 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Capitals vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks.
Capitals vs. Canadiens Odds, Pick
| Capitals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -225 | 6.5 105o / -125u | +114 |
| Canadiens Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +185 | 6.5 105o / -125u | -135 |
Capitals vs. Canadiens Spread: Canadiens -1.5 (+185), Capitals +1.5 (-225)
Capitals vs. Canadiens Over/Under: 6.5 (+105o / -125u)
Capitals vs. Canadiens Moneyline: Capitals +114, Canadiens -135
Capitals vs. Canadiens Preview, Prediction
The Off a Heart Breaker system focuses on NHL home favorites coming off a narrow single-goal loss.
These situations create a strong motivational and psychological edge as teams respond with urgency to bounce back in front of their home crowd.
A close defeat often indicates that performance levels were solid despite the outcome, suggesting positive regression ahead.
That is the case for the Montreal Canadiens after losing 4-3 in a shootout in Columbus against the Blue Jackets, with Kirill Marchenko scoring the deciding goal.
The Canadiens need to recover soon. After a strong start, they find themselves on a four-game losing streak, where the last two defeats were by one goal.
Overall, they are 10-6-3, but in their nine losses combined (regular and overtime), six have been by one score.
Tonight, they will face the Capitals, who are just ok on the road with a 4-4-1 record this season.
According to our Bet Labs system, returning home allows for better rest, controlled matchups, and focused preparation against an opponent who may underestimate their resolve.
Oddsmakers tend to undervalue these rebound spots, but historically, teams with talent and home-ice familiarity, such as the Canadiens, convert these frustrations into sharp, disciplined performances that lead to profitable short-term results.
Best Bet: Canadiens ML -135 (DraftKings)
