The Montreal Canadiens (3-2-1) and Washington Capitals (3-3-0) meet Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Puck drop from Capital One Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let's analyze NHL odds around the Canadiens vs. Capitals odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
2025-26 season series: Capitals won 2-1, including a 3-2 OT win at home
The Canadiens picked up a 4-3 shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday night, cashing as -155 home favorites while the Over (6.5) hit. RW Zachary Bolduc delivered the shootout winner for the second straight game. D Lane Hutson and RW Cole Caufield each finished with a goal and an assist, while RW Josh Anderson also scored. LW Juraj Slafkovsky chipped in 2 assists to help Montreal secure the win.
The
Capitals came up short Tuesday night, falling 4-2 at the Carolina Hurricanes as a +130 underdog as the Under (6.5) hit. C Boone Jenner and D Justin Holl scored for the Capitals, with RW Ryan Leonard adding 2 assists. G Logan Thompson made 31 saves, but Washington went 0 for 2 on the power play while giving Carolina 5 opportunities.
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Canadiens at Capitals odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:55 a.m.
- Moneyline (ML): Canadiens +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Capitals -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Canadiens +1.5 (-210) | Capitals -1.5 (+170)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Canadiens at Capitals projected goalies
Jakub Dobes (1-1-1, 4.43 GAA, .857 SV%) vs. Logan Thompson (3-2-0, 2.84 GAA, .904 SV%)
Dobes has not started since his Oct. 6 loss to the Hurricanes, when he allowed 5 goals on 32 shots. He has enjoyed some success against Washington, posting a 2-1-0 record in 3 career regular-season appearances, but with a 3.06 GAA and .887 SV%.
Thompson opened the season with 3 straight wins, but has dropped his last 2 starts. He allowed 3 goals on 34 shots in Tuesday’s loss to Carolina. Thompson has enjoyed success against Montreal throughout his career, posting a 2-0-1 record with a 2.58 GAA and .900 SV% against the Canadiens.
Canadiens at Capitals picks and predictions
Prediction
Canadiens 3 Capitals 2
Moneyline
BET CANADIENS (+115).
The Canadiens are starting to find their rhythm, making Montreal an appealing moneyline play against Washington. After a slow start offensively, Montreal has shown signs of improvement, including a 4-3 shootout victory over Buffalo Tuesday. The Canadiens have also found ways to win close games. Dobes is expected to start in net and has enjoyed some success against Washington, but struggled in his last outing.
Thompson and Washington have dropped their last 2 games after opening the season 3-0. The Capitals have struggled on the power play, converting just 15.4% of their opportunities. With Montreal building momentum and Washington looking to get back on track, the Canadiens have a good opportunity to keep their winning ways going.
Puck line/Against the spread
PASS.
Just too much juice here.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 6.5 (-105).
Both teams are playing on the second night of a back-to-back Wednesday, making tired legs a potential factor. Montreal needed a shootout to beat Buffalo Tuesday, while Washington battled through a physical loss to Carolina. With little time to recover, both teams could take a more conservative approach, slowing the pace and limiting scoring opportunities. Fatigue could play a significant role in keeping this matchup relatively low-scoring.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals odds, picks and predictions
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