The Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals have been looking like a potential playoff matchup for the past month. However, the Canadiens made it interesting when they lost a couple of possible clinching games and forced themselves into a must-win against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 82. They took the long way into the dance, but the main thing is they made it there and are ready to push for an upset.
It's an ironic matchup, as these teams have been in the same situation before. In 2010 the Capitals finished with the top record in the Eastern Conference, while the Canadiens finished with the eighth seed. The young Canadiens didn't have much of a chance, but they managed to pull off the upset with some surprising heroes. The main storyline was Jaroslav Halak, who stole the starting job from Carey Price and became the story of the playoffs.
How to Watch Canadiens vs. Capitals Game 1
Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
Time: 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT
Venue: Capital One Arena
How to Watch: ESPN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports, MNMT, FuboTV
The Canadiens feel better about their chances since they've signed Ivan Demidov to his entry-level contract. There might be some flaws in his game and he might need to figure out how to give better answers to the media, but its all part of the growing pains to becoming an NHL player. The good news is that Demidov has all the self-confidence in the world, and his ego seems unbreakable. He could be an X-Factor for this series if he gets more opportunities.
Montreal fans will also be keeping a close eye on Sam Montembeault. He rightfully earned the starting nod for Game 1, but that narrative could change quickly if he struggles early in this series. It also doesn't help Montembeault with the Halak narrative, as the momentum and storylines will start to build about putting Jakub Dobes in the net and recreating history.
The Canadiens hope to win at least one game at Capital One Arena before returning to the Bell Centre. They believe they have the best home-ice advantage in the playoffs, and returning with a 1-1 series could be the catalyst for them finishing the upset.