The playoffs are heating up. And the rivalry between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens is going to be on full display in the NHL Stanley Cup Round 1 series playoffs. Both teams are entering this round of the season with something to prove. This is more than just a Round 1 matchup. And the upcoming clash promises to be a showdown of intensity, grit, and legacy on the line.
The Capitals, led by Alexander Ovechkin, are seeking to bounce back from last year’s early exit. While the Canadiens, backed by the passionate Bell Centre crowd, are looking to make a statement win over the Capitals. It is sure going to be a matchup to look for, with every hit, pass, and goal controlling the game’s momentum.
When and where to watch the Washington Capitals vs. Canadiens NHL game
The first puck drop between the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens in the NHL Stanley Cup Round 1 series is set for Sunday, April 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. The game will take place at the iconic Capital One Arena, offering the perfect setting for playoff drama to unfold.
Fans can catch the live action on ESPN and SN (Sportsnet). For those preferring a digital viewing experience, ESPN+ will also stream the game live. Canadian viewers can also tune in via TVA Sports.
On the go? No worries. ESPN+ subscribers can stream the game from anywhere with a monthly subscription of $10.99. Meanwhile, for Canadiens fans, TVA Sports Direct offers both monthly and annual packages. Capitals faithful can also rely on Monumental Sports Network for localized digital content and post-game analysis.
Eastern Conference Playoff Preview: Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs feature an Eastern Conference clash between the Washington Capitals (42-28-11, 95 points) and the Montreal Canadiens (37-35-9, 83 points). Here’s the breakdown:… pic.twitter.com/qusXLjF9ck
— The Gambler’s Gazette (@GamblerGazette) April 19, 2025
For radio listeners, WJFK 106.7 FM will provide Capitals coverage, while TSN 690 AM will broadcast for the Canadiens. Fans with SiriusXM NHL Radio subscriptions can also tune into coast-to-coast coverage, making sure they don’t miss a second.
On the battlefield, NHL rivalries reignited
The round will have high stakes and feature hot talent to do justice to that. This marks only the second time the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens have faced each other in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Their only prior meeting came in the first round of the 2010 postseason, where the Canadiens, as the No. 8 seed, stunned the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Capitals in a dramatic seven-game series. Montreal rallied from a 3-1 series deficit, winning three straight elimination games behind the extraordinary goaltending of Jaroslav Halak. That upset remains one of the most improbable in Canadiens history — and it adds a sharp edge to their renewed playoff rivalry in 2025.
This time, all eyes will be on Ovechkin, who continues to be the face of Washington hockey, and Nick Suzuki, whose leadership has grown leaps and bounds this season.
Washington’s starting goalie for Game 1 remains a mystery, with coach Spencer Carbery keeping his decision between Charlie Lindgren and Logan Thompson under wraps. Whoever gets the nod will face intense pressure, especially with Lindgren’s possible matchup against his former team adding extra drama.
The Capitals vs. Canadiens matchup will also spotlight the clash of experience versus momentum — Washington’s seasoned veterans against Montreal’s hungry, up-and-coming core. Fans could feast on a battle of narrative as much as it is of skill.
As the postseason begins to unfold, this game could set the tone for the rest of the series. Will the Capitals’ veterans hold their ground, or will the Canadiens’ fresh legs and fearless play take over? Make sure you’re not missing history being written on ice.
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