The Montreal Canadiens have soared up the standings on the back of an 8-2 run in which they’ve piled up plenty of wins against elite teams.
They are now within striking distance of a Wild Card spot, sitting just three points back with a pair of games in hand.
My Canadiens vs. Capitals predictions see Montreal’s red-hot offense doing some damage, with super rookie Lane Hutson getting involved along the way.
Let’s take a closer look with my NHL picks for January 10.
Canadiens vs Capitals prediction
My Canadiens pick
Lane Hutson Over 0.5 points (-105 at BET99)
My Canadiens analysis
Lane Hutson may only be a rookie but his offensive impacts are already through the roof – and continually getting better.
Over the past 20 games, the Montreal Canadiens have generated 66 shot attempts and 3.15 expected goals per 60 minutes of 5v5 play with Hutson on the ice. Both categories are good for top spot on the team.
He has really helped the Canadiens unlock their even-strength offense while also serving as an elite power play quarterback.
Only Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes – two of the most dangerous defensemen in the sport – have piled up more power play points than Hutson the last 20 games. He’s been that good.
Although the Washington Capitals have been terrific this season, there are a few reasons we can expect offense out of the Canadiens in this game.
For starters, they rank 8th in expected goals during 5v5 play the past 10 games. The Capitals have struggled mightily to prevent them, ranking 29th in xG against over the same period. Hutson leads the Canadiens in 5v5 ice so he should greatly benefit.
The Capitals have rotated goaltenders all season long as well. That means Logan Thompson will get the night off in favor of Charlie Lindgren.
Thompson has won 17 of 21 starts and owns a sparkling .919 save percentage on the season. He has greatly outperformed Lindgren, who has won 10 of 20 starts and has a sub .900 save percentage.
Lindgren has allowed at least three goals in eight of his last 11 starts and five of the last six when zooming in. He is not in great form.
Win or lose, the Canadiens should be able to net their share of goals and keep this game competitive.
Look for Hutson to get in on the fun.
Canadiens vs Capitals same-game parlay (SGP)
Lane Hutson Over 0.5 points
Cole Caufield Over 0.5 points
Over 5.5 goals
Cole Caufield has produced points as consistently as almost anybody. He has at least one point in 70% of his games this season and 16 of his past 20 (80%).
He has already faced the powerhouse Capitals twice this season and hit the scoresheet in both, combining for three points in total.
With Montreal’s top line scoring at will, and Patrik Laine still sidelined, Martin St. Louis will no doubt be relying even more heavily on the big guns up front.
Caufield correlates nicely with Hutson as well. The latter leads the team in 5v5 usage so there’s plenty of overlap there. They also play together on the top power play.
There should be plenty of fireworks in this game. Lindgren has routinely given up 3+ goals and the Capitals are capable of giving him the run support he needs, ranking 2nd in goals per game (3.66).
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Canadiens vs Capitals odds
Canadiens vs Capitals live odds
Canadiens vs Capitals opening odds
- Puck line: Montreal +190 | Washington -219
- Moneyline: Montreal +1.5 (-138) | Washington -1.5 (+120)
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-110) | Under 6 (-104)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Canadiens vs Capitals trend
Lane Hutson has picked up at least one point in both games against Washington. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Capitals. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Capitals.
How to watch Canadiens vs Capitals
| Location: | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date: | Friday, 1-10-2025 |
| Puck drop: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN2 |
Canadiens vs Capitals latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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