Insider thinks Habs can upset the Capitals in Round 1
Photo credit: NHL.com
As the Montreal Canadiens get ready to take on the Washington Capitals in the opening round, most aren't giving them much of a chance. The Caps finished the regular season 20 points ahead, boast experience, and have the edge in nearly every statistical category. Still, games aren't won on paper, and Montreal has several reasons to believe an upset is possible.
NHL insider says the Habs can easily upset the Washington Capitals in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
William Bourget from The Hockey Writers gives his 3 reasons why he thinks the Canadiens can upset the Capitals.
Each year, there's always a goaltender who emerges as a surprise playoff hero, someone who wasn't in the Vezina Trophy mix during the regular season but becomes an unyielding force in April and May. In 2023, it was Adin Hill. In 2019, Jordan Binnington. This year, it might just be Samuel Montembeault
"Montembeault has been a steady presence in the Canadiens' crease all season, but now he has a chance to make his mark on the biggest stage. He's shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, especially in games where he faced a high shot volume. His calm demeanour and quick reflexes give the Canadiens a real chance to steal games they otherwise shouldn't win." -Bourget
Montreal's roster is centered around its young talent. While this may raise concerns about a lack of playoff experience, it also introduces an element of unpredictability and drive that veteran-laden teams might lack. The Canadiens' success hinges not on a single player, but on a group of energetic, dynamic youngsters eager to prove themselves in the postseason. Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Kaiden Guhle can very much be difference makers for the young Canadiens.
NHL insider Stephen Brunt also believes the Habs can pull off a first-round upset.
Brunt: Habs have a real shot vs the Capitals
Bourget also writes the Capitals are no longer the powerhouse they once were. Since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018, Washington has failed to win a single playoff round, with the exception of one season where they missed the playoffs altogether. Despite still having key players like Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, and Tom Wilson, the team has struggled to regain its postseason dominance.
"Add to that the psychological burden: another early exit would reinforce the narrative that the Capitals' window is firmly shut. That kind of pressure can weigh heavy on a veteran group. If Montreal can take Game 1 or 2 and plant a seed of doubt, things could spiral quickly for Washington." -Bourget
It won't be an easy task. Washington has the experience, strong statistics, and pedigree on its side. However, they also face pressure, aging players, and a recent track record of underperforming in the playoffs. For the Canadiens, it's all about belief. If their goaltender steps up, their young players perform early, and the Capitals continue to struggle under the pressure, that belief could turn into a stunning reality.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 18 | 58 ANSWERS Insider thinks Habs can upset the Capitals in Round 1 Will the Canadiens upset the Capitals in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs? | ||
| yes | 8 | 13.8 % |
| no | 50 | 86.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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