The Montreal Canadiens will return to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2021, facing the Washington Capitals in a first-round series. Despite a 20-point gap in the standings, the Canadiens have shown strong form, going 7-1-2 in their last ten games, while the Capitals struggled, going 4-6-0. In goal, Samuel Montembeault, with a career-best season, will start for Montreal, while the Capitals face potential issues with Logan Thompson’s injury, relying on Charlie Lindgren, who has performed well against the Canadiens.
