Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction, 4/6/2023 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens

Date: Thursday, April 6, 2023

Location: Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

TV: TSN

The Montreal Canadiens (30-42-6) will play the Washington Capitals (34-34-9) at Bell Centre on Thursday.

The Washington Capitals were on the wrong end of the scoreboard with a 5-2 defeat against the Rangers in their previous outing. The Capitals had an offensive game that was below their expectations in the defeat. In the outing, they tallied a score on 2 of the 28 shots they put on net. Additionally, they had 2 chances on the power play but didn't convert them into a score. Washington amassed 33 penalty minutes in this matchup.

Washington Capitals opponents have 212 power play tries (30th in professional hockey) and have scored 37 goals in those chances. The Capitals thus far have had 2,361 shots taken against them and hold a save percentage of .899. Washington has tried 2,416 shots and holds a shot percentage of 9.9%. When at even strength, the Capitals have surrendered 202 goals while getting 188 as an offensive unit. Washington comes into tonight with 234 power play chances and they have notched 50 goals during those chances, giving them a percentage of 21.37%. For the year, they have recorded 77 points and their points % is .500. In terms of their scoring, the Washington Capitals have racked up 238 goals (20th in hockey) on the campaign and have conceded 239.

The man protecting the goal in this game is Darcy Kuemper. The opposition has racked up 839 goals versus Kuemper in his NHL career and his average for goals against per game is 2.53. Kuemper has been involved in 352 contests over the course of his hockey career. His save percentage is at .916 in his 19,887 mins between the pipes. He has accumulated an overall mark of 164-120-42 and was named the starter in 335 games. Over the course of his career, Kuemper has earned 186 quality starts and his quality starts percentage is .555. Kuemper has seen 10,046 shot attempts taken against him and has accrued 9,207 saves.

When they took the ice last, Montreal faced off against the Red Wings in a game where the Canadiens ended up losing by a final of 5-0. They had 3 attempts on the power play in this one but weren't able to finish one of them with a goal. The Canadiens recorded 0 goals out of the 24 shots on goal they pursued.

Montreal has put up 2,131 shots (30th in the NHL) and has accumulated a shot percentage of 10.04%, while allowing the opposition 2,625 shots. They have recorded a penalty kill rate of 72.94% on the other teams 255 power play opportunities, and their save percentage comes in at 89.1%. They have a total of 225 chances on the power play and they have accumulated a power play percentage of 16.89%. The Canadiens have accumulated 176 goals at even strength and 38 goals (28th in the NHL) while on the power play. They have allowed 287 goals to be scored by way of 218 goals at even strength and 69 goals while they were shorthanded. On the season, the Montreal Canadiens have earned 214 goals, 66 points, and a points percentage of .423.

For the opposition you will find Sam Montembeault defending the net. Teams are averaging 3.44 goals per contest and he has allowed 306 goals overall. Montembeault's quality start rate is 47.6% and he has qualified for 40 quality starting assignments in his pro career. He has been a starter 84 games and has racked up 5,332 mins. Montembeault has accrued a lifetime mark of 32-42-12 and has played in 99 contests. He has tallied 2,673 saves out of the 2,979 shots attempted against him, giving him a save percentage of .897.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Parlays Pundit's Pick: Take Montreal

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