{"id":454864,"date":"2024-10-31T08:00:38","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T12:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=454864"},"modified":"2024-10-31T08:16:54","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T12:16:54","slug":"nhl-predictions-oct-31-w-montreal-canadiens-vs-washington-capitals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/10\/31\/nhl-predictions-oct-31-w-montreal-canadiens-vs-washington-capitals\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Oct. 31 w\/ Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day,\u00a0<em>Last Word on Hockey<\/em> takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today\u2019s featured game is the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/10\/30\/montreal-canadiens-forward-others-competing-hard-team-canada-inclusion\/\" target=\"_self\"> Montreal Canadiens<\/a> vs <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/10\/01\/puck-drop-preview-2024-25-washington-capitals\/\" target=\"_self\">Washington Capitals<\/a>. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.<\/p>\n<p>We hope you have a Happy Halloween and get to enjoy some hockey after trick-or-treating with the kiddos is done. On now to NHL Predictions.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Monument Sports Network; TSN2; RDS; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our opening and featured game of a spooky edition of NHL predictions has the Capitals hosting the Canadiens. Projected starter <span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3MR_r\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/montesa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Montembeault<\/a><\/span> is looking to shake off a bad performance against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/10\/09\/seattle-kraken-give-goaltender-contract-extension\/\" target=\"_self\">Seattle Kraken.<\/a> However, always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/caufico01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cole Caufield<\/a> continued his hot start and leads the team with nine goals. Captain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/suzukni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Suzuki<\/a> is first in points with 11.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"KeyPlayersCard__pitcherName--3MR_r\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lindgch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Charlie Lindgren<\/a><\/span> is the likely starter for the Capitals, who are coming off a big win over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/10\/25\/new-york-rangers-ink-rising-star-to-new-deal\/\" target=\"_self\">New York Rangers<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wilsoto01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tom Wilson<\/a> is first on the team in goals with five while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stromdy01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Strome<\/a> is tops in points with 11. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/ovechal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Ovechkin<\/a> came alive with a pair of goals last time out. Washington is top 10 in goals scored (3.88, sixth place) and goals allowed (3.00, tied for ninth) per game.<\/p>\n<p>Montreal does play hard, but it has too many injuries and Washington is playing too well.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Capitals win 5-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Anaheim Ducks vs Pittsburgh Penguins<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> Sportsnet Pittsburgh; KCOP-TV; ESPN+<\/p>\n<p>Our last game of a scary NHL predictions has the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/09\/11\/nhl-rumours-future-of-anaheim-ducks-defender-unknown\/\" target=\"_self\">Anaheim Ducks<\/a> visiting the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/10\/30\/pittsburgh-penguins-need-major-organizational-shake-up\/\" target=\"_self\"> Pittsburgh Penguins.<\/a> Anaheim is expected to start with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dostalu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lukas Dostal<\/a> in between the pipes. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/terrytr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Troy Terry<\/a> is first in goals (5) and points (8) for the Ducks while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mctavma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mason McTavish<\/a> is leading in assists with five.<\/p>\n<p>Rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/blomqjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joel Blomqvist<\/a> is expected to get the call in goal for the struggling Penguins. <span class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rakelri01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rickard Rakell<\/a> is the team&#8217;s unlikely goal-scoring leader with six while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/malkiev01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evgeni Malkin<\/a> is first in assists (11) and points (14). Both teams have struggled to score as the Ducks are tied for 30th in goals with 2.33 while the Pens are tied for 19th with 3.00 per game. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Anaheim has been a pleasant surprise this season and have been competitive. However, Pittsburgh has once again been disappointing. Despite this, the Penguins firepower will get them the narrow win.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Penguins win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We have a couple of prop bets that we hope will be treats instead of tricks on this Halloween night. Let&#8217;s start off with the first game between the Capitals and the Canadiens. Caufield still seems like a great play for the Habs. He&#8217;s getting +280 on the over of 0.5 power play points at <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/betting\/go\/betmgm\" target=\"_self\">BetMGM<\/a>. On the Washington side, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/carlsjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Carlson<\/a> is getting the over on 0.5 power-play points as well. However, he&#8217;s getting +185.<\/p>\n<p>The over\/under for the Ducks and Penguins game is at 6.5 and we feel the under at -120 at BetMGM is worth a shot. This could be a solid part of a parlay bet. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/letankr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kris Letang<\/a> is getting +155 on the over of 0.5 assists for Pittsburgh. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/carlsle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-10-30_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leo Carlsson<\/a> also sounds like a decent play at +200 for the over on 0.5 assists. Both these assist bets are also at BetMGM.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling\u00a0<span class=\"s15\"><span class=\"bumpedFont15\">problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day,\u00a0Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":437687,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15,4547,7,4548,4524],"tags":[6013,6016,6123,6239],"class_list":["post-454864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-capitals","category-hockey","category-canadiens","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","tag-anaheim-ducks-predictions","tag-montreal-canadiens-predictions","tag-pittsburgh-penguins-predictions","tag-washington-capitals-predictions"],"modified_by":"Alec Roberson","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=454864"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454864\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/437687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=454864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=454864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=454864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}