Montreal Canadiens @ Washington Capitals


For this game there are many players doubtful. Unfortunately for us Semin might be out for the Capitals; and Gionta for the Canadiens, will be definitely out. These two are among the best players in their respective teams. But tonight, we have two teams in different situations.

Montreal at the beginning of the season was looking like a serious contender, is now struggling in the league. They started with 2 wins on OT and then had 5 straight losses. After that, the only time they get more than 1 win in a row, was after that 5 losses, and that is when the alarm fired. But even there, they needed OT and SO in 3 of those 4 wins.

And since then, they are losing many games, winning one game occasionally. They won last game in SO at home against one of the weakest teams this season. So, they still have a poor moral, still missing a true "momentum" and they are not able to achieve consecutive wins for now. Their main problem is in the offense, where we all expect much more than they have done yet. Their defense after the injury of Markov, was easy to expect problems. Even in their last 5 games, they are only scoring 1.40 goals per game and they will need urgently to turn things around.

Washington in other hand is one of the best teams in the league and an early contender to Stanley Cup. They are managing very well their injuries as they had few games with all their best players playing together. However, Ovchekin returned last game, preventing Capitals to get a letdown spot. He leads the league in goals with Gaborik and is certainly the best player on NHL. He alone can solve one game, he is the one that can score in any position, in any place. At home, the Capitals are amazing, 3 losses on OT, one loss in Regulation Time, and seven wins. They had scored more than 3.8 goals per game and they make a terrible place to play for the opponent's players.

So, today it will be hard for Canadiens to keep this game close. They are struggling at defense as well as in offense. To keep this game close, they will need to score lots of goals, as it is unlikely that Capitals will have pity of them. Montreal will have to use their wits and play the game just for the game, and hold their will and energy for the next day, when they will have to return to home, to host the Detroit Red Wings. So, I expect an easy win for Washington.


Pick: Washington Capitals PL -1.5 +150 (2.50) The Greek