The Stanley Cup Playoffs are so close you can basically feel the chill through the screen, and guess who’s coming in hot? Yup, the Washington Capitals. They’re skating into Round 1 with home-ice perks, a stacked squad, and all kinds of firepower, facing off against the Montreal Canadiens. With Dylan Strome leading the charge, Ovi still breaking records like it’s casual Friday, and a whole crew dropping 20+ goals this season, Washington’s got that thunder. Even with Logan Thompson sidelined, Lindgren’s holding it down. The Caps have already handled Montreal in the regular season with a 2-0-1 record, and they’re looking to turn that into full-on domination in this best-of-7 clash.
Now, let’s not sleep on the Habs. Captain Nick Suzuki is straight-up vibing with career-best numbers, Cole Caufield’s sniping goals for fun, and Lane Hutson’s putting up rookie magic from the blue line. But Washington’s got the edge, and not just in stats. They’ve got history, hunger, and that chip from last season’s early exit. Montreal’s stepping back into the postseason for the first time since 2021, while the Caps are eyeing a shot at redemption—six long years since their 2018 Cup win. And now? They’ve got the momentum, the weapons, and maybe… just maybe… the perfect storm to snap that six-year drought.
In a recent video by Hat Trick HQ, the host kept it real and said, “there is no world, at the start of the year anyone would have guessed that this is a series in the first round.” And honestly? Nobody saw the Washington Capitals climbing this high, and “they’ve really taken flight,” just like he said. The Habs sneaking into the playoffs this early? That’s another curveball. “I don’t think anyone expected the Montreal Canadiens to make the playoffs so soon,” he added, and it’s true—it’s a solid win for the fanbase and a big ol’ level-up moment for their young core. Playoff reps like these? Priceless for the boys in red and blue.
Now, when you size up both squads, the Caps are kinda sitting pretty. The host didn’t sugarcoat it—“Washington has the edge in almost everything.” He even shouted out their gritty side: “One thing that I want to talk about too is the physicality, which I think they also have an edge in.” And while Montreal might not be too far behind, he made it clear, “it’s going to be a learning experience for them.” Then came the real kicker: “If you look at the penalty kill, I mean Washington’s absolutely fantastic this season,” he said, throwing in a nod to their crazy scoring numbers too—“they’re up there in the league in terms of goals for per game as well.”
So yeah, the Caps might not have been anyone’s pick back in October, but now? They’re the squad to watch. And if we peek at the numbers, the Caps are kinda vibing on top. Power play? 23.5%—Canadiens trailing at 20.1%. PK? Caps again, 82.0% vs Habs’ 80.9%. And they’re also scoring more—3.49 goals per game compared to Montreal’s 2.96. Only spot where the Habs edge ahead? Goals against… but barely. And now that playoff season’s knocking, the Capitals boys are talking.
Washington Capitals’ stars are all set for the playoffs!
The NHL Caps just wrapped their best regular season since 2017 with a shiny 51-22-9 record and a solid 111 points on the board—but it means nothing now. Coach Spencer Carbery didn’t sugarcoat it: “Now that doesn’t mean a thing.” The regular season’s in the rearview, and it’s game face time. Come Monday, it’s all fresh ice, clean slates, and playoff vibes only.
Saturday’s practice at Capital One Arena had that energy—like, no more underdog stories this year. Last season? The Caps barely squeaked in with a wild -37 goal differential (yikes) and got swept outta the first round by the Rangers. Dylan Strome kept it real, saying, “It took a lot out of us to get into the playoffs.” But this year? Whole new story. “We have the confidence that we can beat anyone.” The team’s got that fire, that bounce-back hunger, and a whole lotta lessons in their back pocket.
Ovi’s got his game face on too—classic leader mode. “Last year is over,” he said. “What happened in past is nothing you can change.” And now? It’s about flipping the script, shaking off the dust, and bringing that beast mode to Montreal. Monday at 7 p.m., the puck drops—and the Caps are stepping in like they’ve got unfinished business to handle.
