Washington Capitals vs Montréal Canadiens Picks and Predictions January 10th 2025

Canadiens Continue Road Hot Streak Against Capitals

The Montreal Canadiens look to extend their strong post-holiday form on Friday as they face the Metropolitan Division-leading Washington Capitals in Washington, D.C. With wins against top-tier opponents in recent games, the Canadiens aim to bolster their playoff aspirations, while the Capitals seek consecutive victories for the first time in nearly three weeks.

Canadiens Thriving Against Top Competition

Montreal (5-1-0 in their last six games) has been on a tear, collecting wins against playoff contenders like the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Most recently, the Canadiens earned a 5-4 overtime victory against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday, thanks to Nick Suzuki’s power-play goal.

Head coach Martin St. Louis attributes his team’s success to a focus on consistency rather than the level of competition:

“We just need to focus on what makes us successful,” St. Louis said. “Whether we win or lose, can we turn the page and go to work and earn it again? That’s our focus.”

Suzuki has been pivotal for Montreal, leading the team in assists (29) and points (41). His game-winning goal against Vancouver added to an impressive streak of contributions, including two assists earlier in the game.

Montreal will be without Patrik Laine, who is battling flu-like symptoms and has not played since New Year’s Eve. Laine’s absence, along with defenseman David Savard’s continued recovery from an upper-body injury, leaves the Canadiens shorthanded against a potent Capitals squad.

Capitals Look to Build Momentum

Washington (alternating wins and losses since Dec. 23) reclaimed the top spot in the Metropolitan Division with a 2-1 overtime win against Vancouver on Wednesday. Pierre-Luc Dubois scored both goals for the Capitals, extending his points streak to five games.

Second-year head coach Spencer Carbery praised his team’s commitment to defense in the victory:

“We knew it would take a defensive effort to beat Vancouver, and we were committed to that,” Carbery said. “It’s something we can carry over.”

Dubois has been a standout for the Capitals, recording points in 10 of his last 11 games (three goals, nine assists). He ranks second on the team in assists (26) and third in points (33), providing crucial support as Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record.

Key Matchup: Canadiens’ Power Play vs. Capitals’ Defense

Montreal’s power play, led by Suzuki and Laine (eight power-play goals in 13 games), has been a game-changer in recent contests. The Canadiens will need to capitalize on special teams opportunities against a Washington defense that showed improvement in its most recent outing.

The Capitals, however, have a balanced attack that can challenge Montreal’s defense, which will need to be sharp without Savard in the lineup.

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What’s at Stake

For the Canadiens, Friday’s game offers a chance to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference wild-card race. With a challenging schedule ahead, including games against Dallas, Toronto, and Tampa Bay, every point matters.

For the Capitals, a second consecutive win would provide much-needed momentum as they look to maintain their division lead over the New Jersey Devils and other contenders.

With Montreal’s recent surge and Washington’s fight for consistency, this matchup promises an exciting clash between two teams with postseason aspirations. Fans can expect a hard-fought game as the Canadiens aim to continue their rise and the Capitals seek stability.