Capitals vs. Canadiens Prediction, Odds & Expert Picks: NHL Player Props & Best Bets for Friday, April 25
The Montreal Canadiens came away from Washington with nothing to show for their two games but a close-but-no-cigar feeling as they look for their first victory tonight against the Washington Capitals at Bell Centre (7 p.m. ET, TNT).
Our Capitals vs. Canadiens Game 3 prediction, NHL picks, and player props expect another incredibly tight game with goals, if not chances, at a premium. The Capitals, among the Stanley Cup odds front-runners, are the favorites at our best sports betting sites despite playing in Montreal.
👉 For all of Friday's playoff coverage, check out our NHL betting tips and predictions.
📡 How to watch Capitals vs. Canadiens live (Game 3)
📅 Friday, April 25
🕗 7 p.m. ET
📍 Bell Centre (Montreal)
📺 TNT, Sportsnet | 🛜 Max, Sportsnet+
📊 Best Capitals vs. Canadiens odds, records, stats & trends - Friday, April 25
📈 Check out our Capitals vs. Canadiens matchup page for full team stats and betting line history.
💡 Capitals vs. Canadiens predictions, expert picks & best bets: Game 3
✅ Against the spread pick: Canadiens +1.5 (-235 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐
✅ Moneyline pick: Capitals (-120 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐
✅ Over/Under pick: Under 5.5 (+102 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎯 Capitals vs. Canadiens Game 3 prediction
- Canadiens 3, Capitals 2
📰 Capitals vs. Canadiens Game 3 preview
The Capitals oozed experience in both home games and will look to extinguish any remaining Montreal hope. And with a steely-focused Logan Thompson backstopping them, the Canadiens will need a flawless performance to get off the schneid.
Thompson boasts the third-best goals saved above expected (3.5) through two games, thwarting the Canadiens' comeback bid in Game 1 while ensuring his team held on to a narrow one-goal lead in the third period of Game 2.
I came into the series doubting Thompson's ability to return from injury and recapture his Vezina-like regular-season form.
He has done that and then some. His counterpart, Sam Montembeault, has been his equal in every way. The Habs' No. 1 netminder has not disappointed in his first playoffs.
His 2.0 goals saved above expected is sixth best of the 16 starters. Meanwhile, Washington is more comfortable playing stout defensive hockey on the road than a landscaper is with alfresco work. The Capitals allowed the second-fewest goals on the road during the regular season (2.66).
All those factors should facilitate the series' third straight Under. While I'm no longer backing the Habs to upset the Capitals in the series, their 10-0-2 record down the stretch at Bell Centre, along with a raucous home crowd, should facilitate a Game 3 triumph.
✅ Best bet: Under 5.5 (+100 via bet365)
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🥅 Best NHL player prop bets for Capitals vs. Canadiens: Game 3
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🚨 Alex Ovechkin anytime goal ⭐⭐⭐
Ovi potted two goals in Game 1, scoring his first career playoff overtime game-winner. He didn't score in Game 2 and finished with a comparatively low .34 expected goals. Compare that to his .94 expected goals in the opener. While I can't see the Great 8 dominating 5-on-5 action at Bell Centre as he did at home in Game 1, he'll probably be at his lethal poaching best.
The difference in Game 3 could be on special teams, and Ovechkin will be focused on making his mark at Bell Centre. bet365 offers the longest odds of our best sports betting apps, where a $10 wager would profit $15.55.
💰 Best odds: +155 via bet365
🚨 Mike Matheson Over 1.5 shots ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mike Matheson was dangerous in Game 2, particularly in the third period when the Habs needed a goal. If the Canadiens are down late, expect Matheson to pinch frequently, increasing the chances of more open looks. I also expect the Habs defenseman to be looking to shoot from the opening puck drop. With a raucous crowd buoying the home team, the Habs should create a flurry of shooting opportunities in the first period, with Matheson benefitting.
Matheson had one shot in Game 1 but four attempts and hit the Over in Game 2 with three shots. Most of our best NHL betting sites offer -105, implying a 51.22% probability.
💰 Best odds: -105 via BetMGM
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🚨 Cole Caufield Over 2.5 shots ⭐⭐⭐
Right off the bat, this is a three-star pick due to the short odds. Caufield is a highly productive shooter, which hasn't changed in two postseason games thus far. He had five shots in Game 1 and three in Game 2, hitting the Over twice. With the Canadiens doing everything they can to find a way past Thompson, I expect shots galore in the opening frame. And Caufield should be at the heart of that movement.
💰 Best odds: -145 via DraftKings
🚀 Best same-game parlay (SGP) for Capitals vs. Canadiens: Game 3
🧪 Want to make your own SGP? Check out our NEW parlay calculator to get the best odds for any same-game parlay.
📈 Live Capitals vs. Canadiens odds & Game 3 betting lines
Latest Capitals vs. Canadiens odds from our best sports betting sites.
🪧 Capitals vs. Canadiens Game 3 opening odds
Opening odds via BetMGM.
- Puck line: Capitals -1.5 (+185) | Canadiens +1.5 (-250)
- Moneyline: Capitals -125 | Canadiens +105
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)
🚑 Capitals vs. Canadiens injury report & lineup notes: Game 3
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