Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction, 2/17/2024 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens

Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024

Location: Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

TV: TSN

The Washington Capitals (23-21-8) are headed to Bell Centre on Saturday where they will attempt to defeat the Montreal Canadiens (22-23-8).

The Washington Capitals will look for better times on the ice after their 3-2 loss against the Canucks in their previous outing. Washington compiled 6 mins in the box in this contest. Additionally, they had 2 chances on the power play but weren't able to convert one of them into a goal. The Capitals had a below average offensive outing in the defeat. While out there on the ice, they were able to notch a goal on 2 of the 33 shots they put on goal.

While playing at even strength, the Capitals have allowed the opponent to score 128 goals while having 102 of their own. Washington Capitals opponents have amassed 160 power play opportunities (18th in hockey) and have come away with 32 goals in those attempts. In the matter of their scoring, the Washington Capitals have accounted for 124 goals (30th in hockey) on the campaign and have allowed 160. Washington has tried 1,435 shots and has a shot percentage of 8.6%. For the current season, they have earned 54 points and their points % is .519. The Capitals have seen 1,590 shots attempted against them and hold a save percentage of .899. Washington is sitting with 145 power play chances and they have tallied 22 goals during those advantages, garnering them a rate of 15.17%.

Protecting the goal for this matchup will be Charlie Lindgren. The opposition has been able to score 222 goals against Lindgren in his NHL career and his goals against average is 2.82. Lindgren has participated in 84 games during his hockey career. His save percentage is at .908 during his 4,717 minutes played. He has amassed a record of 38-31-9 and he started in 77 games. Over the course of his pro career, Lindgren has accounted for 45 quality starts and his percentage for quality starts is .584. Lindgren has had 2,423 shot attempts against him and has accrued 2,201 total saves.

Their last time out, Montreal opposed the Ducks in an outing where the Canadiens got the victory by a final of 5-0. The Canadiens scored 5 goals of the 38 shots on goal they took. They had 6 power play opportunities in this contest and notched 2 out of those tries.

Montreal has taken 1,491 shots (27th in hockey) and has a shot percentage of 9.79%, while allowing their opponents 1,791 shots. They have recorded a penalty kill percentage of 74.33% on their oppositions 187 power play tries, and their save percentage currently sits at 89.8%. They have a total of 176 chances on the power play and they have a power play percentage of 19.89%. The Canadiens have earned 111 goals at even strength and 35 goals (15th in the NHL) while on the power play. They have permitted 183 goals to be scored by way of 135 goals at even strength and 48 goals while they were shorthanded. This season, the Montreal Canadiens have a total of 146 goals, 52 points, in addition to a points percentage of .491.

Across the rink you will find Sam Montembeault protecting the net. Teams are averaging 3.40 goals per game and he has surrendered 400 goals altogether. Montembeault's rate of quality starts is 51.8% and he has made 58 quality starting assignments in his hockey career. He has been a starter 112 contests and has played for a total of 7,060 minutes. Montembeault has accrued a career mark of 45-53-16 and has played in 128 games. He has a tally of 3,530 saves out of 3,930 shots tried, which gives him a rate of .898.

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

Tony's Pick: Take Washington

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