Thursday October 9, 2014

Verizon Center in Washington DC

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals will get their first looks at their 2014-15 teams when they go up against each other on Thursday night. The Canadiens will be playing their second game of the season while this will be the Caps' opening game.

Montreal may have ended up higher in the standings last year, but Washington was able to win two of their three games against the Canadiens. Both teams were able to beat the other by one goal early in the season, and then the Capitals blew Montreal out 5-0 later on in the year.

Last year, the Capitals had the second-best power play in the league, but they missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2006–07 season after finishing with just 90 points. Left wing Alex Ovechkin certainly didn't have his best season last year, but he still finished with a league-leading 51 goals. Goalie Braden Holtby had a .915 save percentage and finished with 23 wins in 48 games.

The Caps struggled all year on the defensive end last season, so they went out and signed former Penguins Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik. Niskanen scored a career high 10 goals last year and had 46 points in 81 games. The one player that may be missed in Washington this season is Mikhail Grabovski, who had 35 points in just 58 games last season.

Injuries to Watch

Montreal Canadiens

No injuries to report at this time

Washington Capitals

10/06/14 LW Aaron Volpatti Neck out indefinitely
10/06/14 RW Jay Beagle Upper Body doubtful Thursday vs. Montreal
10/05/14 D Mike Green Upper Body "?" Thursday vs. Montreal
10/05/14 RW Tom Wilson Leg out indefinitely

Josh's Pick: Take Washington

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Josh Schonwald