Montreal Canadiens (40-31-11, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Washington Capitals (51-22-9, in the Metropolitan Division)
Washington; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Capitals -190, Canadiens +159; over/under is 5.5
NHL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Capitals host series opener
BOTTOM LINE: The Washington Capitals host the Montreal Canadiens to begin the Eastern Conference first round. The teams meet Friday for the fourth time this season. The Capitals went 2-1 against the Canadiens in the regular season. In their last regular season meeting on Jan. 10, the Canadiens won 3-2 in overtime. Kaiden Guhle led the Canadiens with two goals.
Washington has gone 26-9-6 in home games and 51-22-9 overall. The Capitals are 48-2-6 in games they score three or more goals.
Montreal is 17-19-5 in road games and 40-31-11 overall. The Canadiens are 35-11-6 when scoring three or more goals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Dylan Strome has scored 29 goals with 53 assists for the Capitals. Alexander Ovechkin has eight goals and five assists over the last 10 games.
Cole Caufield has 37 goals and 33 assists for the Canadiens. Lane Hutson has one goal and nine assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Capitals: 4-6-0, averaging 2.6 goals, four assists, 5.1 penalties and 18.1 penalty minutes while giving up 4.3 goals per game.
Canadiens: 7-1-2, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.8 assists, 3.8 penalties and nine penalty minutes while giving up 1.9 goals per game.
INJURIES: Capitals: None listed.
Canadiens: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Associated Press
