With a recent 4-2 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Montreal Canadiens have secured the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, gearing up to face the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Capitals, boasting a stellar 51-21-9 record this season, swept their recent matches against Montreal, showcasing a strong competitive edge. Meanwhile, Montreal has been on a hot streak, winning eight of their last eleven games, signaling a potential underdog story in the playoffs.

Nick Suzuki, leading the Canadiens with 89 points, has been instrumental in their recent success. In contrast, the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin has had a remarkable season with 43 goals, despite missing time due to injury. Goaltender Logan Thompson’s status is uncertain, as he has been sidelined with an upper body injury, which could impact Washington’s playoff strategy. As both teams prepare, the stakes are high, and the potential for an exciting series looms large.