Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals
Free NHL Pick: Washington Capitals
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For a number of different reasons I believe the Capitals are going to win this game handily: Washington locked up the No. 1 Eastern Conference spot a couple of weeks ago behind the leagues best offense. Seven of its forwards scored 21 or more goals. Montreal on the other hand scored a league-worst 132 goals at even strength and not one of its forwards scored more than 28; its leading scorer is Tomas Plekanec with 70 points (which would have just been 5th if he played for Washington). The only advantage that Montreal could have in this series is in goal; Jaroslav Halak seized the starting job from Carey Price and enters the playoffs with a .924 save percentage; Jose Theordore’s numbers on the other hand were quite pedestrian on the year; however they improved dramatically since mid-January (20-0-3, 2.58, .922).

Bottom line: After yesterday’s upsets, I expect the Capitals to come out with a concerted effort in this one and do what they’ve done all year long; suffocate the Habs with their incessant attack; lay the 1 1/2.

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