Sports

Capitals Host Canadiens in High-Stakes Playoff Showdown

Published

3 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Capitals Canadiens Playoff Game April 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Capitals will face off against the Montreal Canadiens in the first game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday, April 21, at 7 p.m. EDT at Capital One Arena. This matchup marks a significant moment for the Capitals as they look to assert their dominance in the East after finishing the regular season as the top seed.

The Capitals, led by all-time goal scorer Alex Ovechkin, concluded the season with an impressive record of 51 wins, 22 losses, and 9 overtime losses, accumulating 111 points. They have been a formidable force in the league, scoring an average of 3.49 goals per game, second-highest in the NHL, while allowing only 2.79 goals per game. This season, three Capitals players netted over 30 goals, including Ovechkin, who achieved a milestone of 44 goals, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s longstanding record with his 895th career goal.

In their playoff history, the Capitals are eager to move past the first round, having not advanced since 2018. The team has consistently qualified for the postseason, achieving their berth for the tenth time in the last eleven seasons. This year’s strong performance has already excited fans, who are hopeful for a deep playoff run.

The Canadiens, meanwhile, have marked their return to the playoffs after a four-year absence, clinching their wildcard spot in the final days of the regular season. With a record of 40 wins, 31 losses, and 11 overtime losses, they secured 91 points, becoming the youngest team in this year’s playoff bracket. Captain Nick Suzuki has had a breakout season, amassing a career-high 89 points, while Cole Caufield has also shone with a career-best 70 points. The leadership of these young talents could be key to Montreal’s playoff aspirations.

“We’re excited to be back in the postseason,” Suzuki said. “This is a great opportunity for us to show what we can do against a tough opponent like Washington.”

Historically, the Capitals hold a slight edge in their recent matchups against the Canadiens, winning two out of three games in the regular season. However, Montreal’s latest victory in January gives them momentum heading into this series. Matchup statistics reveal that the Capitals outscored the Canadiens in their previous encounters, with a total of six goals in their Halloween meeting and four in December, compared to Montreal’s lone 3-2 victory in overtime.

As the playoff series kicks off, fans can tune in via Monumental Sports Network (MNMT) and ESPN, with coverage including pregame analysis and postgame discussions featuring analysts like Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin. For those without cable, streaming options are available, ensuring that all fans can catch the action.

“Every game counts in the playoffs, and we prepare for this moment all season long,” Ovechkin stated. “We’re looking to start strong at home and give our fans something to cheer about.”

The complete TV schedule for the Capitals-Canadiens series is as follows: