Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction and Picks - November 20, 2025
Use Code SSWC National Hockey League action on Wednesday evening, and we have a Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens prediction ready to rock and roll. Washington enters this game off a 7-4 home win over Edmonton to move to 10-10 on the year. The Habs enter this contest at 10-9 on the season, and they are off a 4-3 shootout loss to Columbus on the road. Read on to see our Capitals vs Canadiens prediction.
If you’re looking to cross-check the books and put some cash in your pocket, check out our free NHL picks!
Offense Explodes In Win Over Edmonton
Washington enters this matchup fresh off a 7–4 win over Edmonton on Nov. 19, a game where Tom Wilson scored twice and Connor McMichael added three points to pace the offense. The Capitals showed their ability to generate chances in bunches, firing 32 shots and capitalizing on Edmonton’s defensive lapses. Wilson now leads the team with 11 goals and 20 points, while Alex Ovechkin continues to contribute with 16 points, and John Carlson remains a steady force on the blue line with 17 points. That victory highlighted Washington’s ability to combine physical play with opportunistic scoring, giving them momentum heading into Montreal.
Offensively, the Capitals average 2.8 goals per game (24th) but rank 6th in shots per game (29.7), showing they can create volume even if finishing has been inconsistent. Their power play has been a weakness at just 14% (30th), but Strome’s playmaking (17 points, 58% faceoff win rate) and Wilson’s net‑front presence give them tools to improve. Depth contributions from players like Aliaksei Protas (12 points) and Connor McMichael (10 points) have helped balance the attack, while Ovechkin remains a threat despite lower goal totals than in past seasons.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Defensively, Washington has been elite, ranking 3rd in goals against (2.5) and 11th in shots allowed (26.3). Carlson and Jakob Chychrun anchor the blue line, while Martin Fehervary and Rasmus Sandin provide steady minutes. Charlie Lindgren will start in net, carrying a 3.17 GAA with one shutout, and he’ll be tasked with slowing Montreal’s top scorers. The penalty kill has been shaky at 72.6% (26th), but overall structure and strong five‑on‑five play have kept opponents in check. Against Montreal’s speed and creativity, Washington’s ability to control the defensive zone and limit high‑danger looks will be critical.
Habs Have Lost 4 In A Row
Montreal dropped a 4–3 shootout loss to Columbus on Nov. 18, a game where Lane Hutson stood out with a goal and an assist while logging nearly 26 minutes of ice time. Josh Anderson added a goal, and Otto Kapanen chipped in another tally, while Cole Caufield and Mike Matheson each recorded assists. Despite generating 34 shots, the Canadiens couldn’t solve Jet Greaves in the shootout, and goaltender Jakub Dobes finished with 31 saves across 64 minutes of action. The loss highlighted Montreal’s inability to close out tight games, as they’ve now struggled in several one‑goal contests this season.
Offensively, the Canadiens continue to lean on their top playmakers. Nick Suzuki leads the team with 21 points (4G, 17A) and remains strong in the faceoff circle at 53.3%. Caufield has been their most dangerous scorer with 13 goals and 20 points, while Hutson’s emergence from the blue line (16 points) adds a dynamic puck‑moving element. Ivan Demidov (14 points) and Alex Newhook (12 points) provide secondary scoring, but depth contributions remain inconsistent. Against Washington’s stingy defense, Montreal will need its top line to drive possession and capitalize on limited opportunities.
Defensively, Montreal’s issues persist. They’ve allowed 3.56 goals per game with Montembeault starting, and while Dobes was in net against Columbus, the overall defensive structure remains shaky. Matheson and Dobson provide heavy minutes, but lapses in coverage and a penalty kill ranked 26th at 72.6% continue to hurt them. Montembeault is expected to start against Washington, and he’ll need to be sharper against a Capitals team that generates nearly 30 shots per game. For Montreal to stay competitive, they must tighten their defensive zone coverage and avoid costly penalties, while relying on Suzuki and Caufield to create offense against one of the NHL’s better defensive clubs.
Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens Pick
Capitals vs Canadiens Moneyline Pick
- Washington -105 (2 Units)
Washington at -105 looks like the sharper side given their defensive consistency and recent offensive surge. The Capitals are coming off a 7–4 win over Edmonton where Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome powered the attack, and they’ve quietly built one of the league’s stingiest defensive profiles, ranking 3rd in goals against (2.5) and 11th in shots allowed (26.3). Even with a below‑average power play, Washington generates nearly 30 shots per game, and with Charlie Lindgren confirmed in net, their ability to limit high‑danger chances should give them the edge against a Montreal team that has struggled to finish games.
Montreal’s 4–3 shootout loss to Columbus underscored their inconsistency, particularly in closing out tight contests. While Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield drive the offense, the Canadiens’ defensive lapses and penalty kill issues (72.6%, 26th) leave them vulnerable against a Capitals team that thrives on structure. Montembeault’s 3.56 GAA makes him a liability against Washington’s shot volume, and unless Montreal’s top line dominates possession, they’ll be chasing the game. With Washington’s balance of scoring depth and defensive reliability, laying -105 feels like the value side in this matchup.
Capitals vs Canadiens Over/Under Pick
- Under 6 (1 Unit)
The Under 6 has strong appeal given Washington’s defensive profile and Montreal’s recent scoring inconsistency. The Capitals rank 3rd in goals against (2.5) and limit opponents to just 26.3 shots per game, while Charlie Lindgren has shown he can steady things in net. Montreal, meanwhile, has struggled to finish games, averaging under three goals per outing and coming off a 4–3 shootout loss to Columbus where they generated chances but couldn’t close. With both teams leaning on structure and Washington’s ability to slow pace, this matchup projects more like a tight, low‑event contest than a wide‑open shootout, making the Under 6 the sharper angle.
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
