Monday NHL Playoff Game Previews

Matchup Notes

Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals

Game 1 | 7 p.m.

You might have heard about the 2010 playoff series between these two teams quite a bit recently.

In that series, the heavily favored Capitals, the top seed led by Alex Ovechkin, were surprisingly defeated by the eighth-seeded Canadiens, largely due to an incredible performance by goaltender Jaroslav Halak. This time, Sam Montembeault is expected to be in net for Montreal, coming off a season where he allowed four goals in one game against Washington.

Washington`s starting goalie for Game 1 is still unknown, as Logan Thompson is recovering from an injury sustained on April 2nd. There`s a clear difference in offensive capabilities between these teams. The Capitals were second in the NHL in goals per game (3.49), while the Canadiens were 17th (2.96). Can Montreal keep pace in this series?

St. Louis Blues at Winnipeg Jets

Game 2 | 7:30 p.m.

The Blues stayed competitive with the Jets for most of Game 1 and at times looked like the stronger team, suggesting an upset is still possible. Winning on Winnipeg`s home ice would give them significant momentum before Game 3 in St. Louis. The Blues demonstrated that Connor Hellebuyck can be scored on in Game 1, with key contributions from Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas.

The Jets have an inconsistent record after winning the first game of a playoff series, going 3-3 historically (including their time as the Atlanta Thrashers). Like the Blues, Winnipeg`s star players, Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, contributed, but the game-tying goal was scored by Alex Iafallo.

Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars

Game 2 | 9:30 p.m.

The Stars might want to forget Game 1, as the Avalanche controlled the game for much of the time. Dallas forward Jason Robertson missed Game 1 due to injury and his return would be a major boost for the Stars. Historically, teams that take a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven series win 86% of the time.

Slowing down Colorado`s star players will be crucial in Game 2. Nathan MacKinnon`s two goals in Game 1 made him the third player in Avalanche/Nordiques history to reach 50 playoff goals. Cale Makar became the third-fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach 60 playoff assists, achieving this in his 73rd game.

Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings

Game 1 | 10 p.m.

This is the fourth consecutive postseason where the Oilers and Kings are facing off in the first round. Edmonton has won the previous three series. Will the Kings break the streak this time?

Los Angeles had a 3-1-0 record against Edmonton this season, including two shutouts. Quinton Byfield performed exceptionally well in those games. Adrian Kempe led the Kings in scoring this season. Warren Foegele, previously with the Oilers, had a career-best season with 24 goals.

The Oilers have 41 playoff series wins, the second-most among non-Original Six teams. They`ve been eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champions in the last three postseasons. Edmonton is still led by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.