After a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on April 16, 2025, the Montreal Canadiens have clinched the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, setting the stage for an exciting first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This marks the Canadiens' return to the postseason for the first time since their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, where they were ultimately defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Canadiens finished the regular season with a record of 40-31-11, boasting a .555 points percentage, and have been on a roll lately, winning eight of their last eleven games. Their recent success has been a significant turnaround from their earlier struggles, as they started the season with a disappointing 11-16-3 record. Now, with one more game left in the regular season, the Canadiens are looking to carry this momentum into the playoffs.
On the other side, the Capitals, who finished the regular season with an impressive 51-21-9 record and a .685 points percentage, secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference on April 10. The Capitals have been a dominant force throughout the season, and their performance against the Canadiens has been particularly noteworthy. During the regular season, the Capitals faced Montreal three times, achieving a record of 2-0-1, outscoring them 12-8 overall.
Left-wing Alex Ovechkin has been a standout player for Washington, leading the team with 43 goals and averaging 1.13 points per game, despite missing 16 games earlier in the season due to a broken leg. Center Dylan Strome has also made a significant impact, accumulating career-highs of 52 assists and 81 points in 81 games. Goaltender Logan Thompson has been a reliable presence in net, posting a record of 31-6-6 with a .910 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average.
However, the Capitals may face challenges as they head into the playoffs. Thompson is currently dealing with an upper-body injury and has not played since April 2, raising questions about his availability for the opening round against Montreal. Additionally, forward Aliaksei Protas is also nursing a lower-body injury, which could further complicate the Capitals' lineup.
As for the Canadiens, they are led by center Nick Suzuki, who has been a key contributor with a career-high of 89 points in 82 games. Right-wing Cole Caufield has also emerged as a significant goal scorer, netting 37 goals this season. Goaltender Sam Montembeault has been solid in net, entering the final game of the regular season with a record of 30-24-7, a .901 save percentage, and a 2.83 goals-against average.
The history between these two teams adds an intriguing layer to this upcoming playoff series. Their only previous postseason meeting came in the 2010 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, where the Capitals were heavily favored but were upset by the Canadiens in seven games. This shocking defeat still lingers in the minds of Capitals fans, making this series not just a battle for the Stanley Cup but also a chance for redemption.
Looking back at their regular season matchups, the Capitals won the first game on October 31, 2024, with a decisive 6-3 victory at Capital One Arena. In the second game on December 7, 2024, they edged out the Canadiens again, winning 4-2 at the Bell Centre. The only blemish on their record against Montreal came on January 10, 2025, when they lost in overtime 3-2. In those three games, the Capitals averaged four goals per game while allowing 2.67 goals against, showcasing their offensive prowess and solid defensive play.
The Canadiens have seen a resurgence in their play, especially since making adjustments mid-season. Their recent success has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see how their team will perform in the playoffs. The addition of top prospect Ivan Demidov, who signed his entry-level contract after a successful stint in the KHL, has also provided a boost to the team. Demidov made his NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 14, 2025, where he recorded his first point and goal in the first period, further heightening expectations for his contributions in the playoffs.
As the playoffs approach, anticipation is building for this matchup between the Canadiens and Capitals. The series is set to begin at Capital One Arena, with the exact date yet to be confirmed but likely occurring over the weekend or on Monday. Both teams have their sights set on advancing further in the playoffs, and with the history between them, fans can expect an intense and competitive series.
The NHL has officially locked all eight series for the first round of the playoffs, and the excitement is palpable. Other matchups include the second-seeded Carolina Hurricanes against the third-seeded New Jersey Devils, the Atlantic Division-leading Toronto Maple Leafs facing the first wild-card Ottawa Senators, and the second-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning squaring off against the third-seeded Florida Panthers, among others.
With the stage set for an exhilarating first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, both the Canadiens and Capitals are ready to make their mark. Will the Canadiens secure their first playoff series victory in over a decade, or will the Capitals exact their revenge for past defeats? Fans will have to tune in to find out as the quest for the Stanley Cup begins.
