The Washington Capitals roll into Montreal on November 20, 2025 with serious momentum. They just demolished the Edmonton Oilers 7-4 on Wednesday night. The Montreal Canadiens sit struggling at home, seeking redemption. This matchup reunites these two teams just months after their playoff clash.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Capitals defeated Oilers 7-4 on November 19, showing explosive offense.
- Ryan Leonard scored twice, with Tom Wilson adding two empty-netters.
- Logan Thompson made 24 saves for the Capitals defense.
- Capitals are 10-8-2 while Canadiens sit at 10-6-3 heading into Thursday.
- Capitals beat Canadiens 4-1 in Game 5 of the 2025 playoffs.
What Happened in the Oilers Game
Ryan Leonard led the charge with two goals keeping Washington firmly in control. Alex Ovechkin also scored as Capitals dominated play. Tom Wilson sealed it late with two consecutive empty-netters within 28 seconds. The Capitals’ offense proved too much for Edmonton to handle.
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Logan Thompson was stellar in net, stopping 24 shots to secure the victory. The performance showed the Capitals’ ability to score and stop their opponents. This 7-4 scoreline represents a statement win for the red-hot squad heading into Montreal.
Why This Matters for the Canadiens Game
The Capitals arrive in Montreal riding pure confidence and chemistry. Scoring that many goals builds belief across the entire roster. When you’re putting up 7 goals, your team plays with different energy. The Canadiens need to find answers defensively.
Meanwhile, Montreal faces a Capitals team that just proved it can explode offensively. The stakes are real for the home team. These two squads faced each other in the 2025 playoffs where Washington won 4-1. That history adds extra motivation for the Canadiens.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Let’s look at the recent history and team records entering this game:
| Metric | Capitals | Canadiens |
|---|---|---|
| Current Record | 10-8-2 | 10-6-3 |
| Last Game | W 7-4 vs Oilers | vs Capitals (Nov 20) |
| Playoff Series (2025) | Won 4-1 | Lost 4-1 |
| Key Player | Alex Ovechkin | Nick Suzuki |
The Capitals clearly have recent momentum and the superior playoff history. Montreal enters as the team seeking revenge. The matchup features contrasting styles and motivations.
What to Watch For
- Ovechkin’s production – He scored in the Oilers win and will be crucial again.
- Leonard’s hot streak – Two goals shows he’s clicking in the lineup.
- Montreal’s defense – Can they tighten up against this explosive offense?
- Special teams play – Powerplay and penalty kill could determine the outcome.
- Goaltending matchup – Logan Thompson looks sharp for Washington.
Can the Canadiens Avenge Their Playoff Loss?
The Montreal Canadiens haven’t forgotten their 2025 playoff elimination at the hands of Washington. Now they get another chance in the regular season. The Capitals arrive as a team clicking on all cylinders offensively. This game will test Montreal severely.
Can Montreal slow down Ovechkin, Leonard, and Wilson? That’s the question. The Canadiens have the talent to compete, but stopping a Capitals team that just scored 7 goals is no small task. Will Thursday’s matchup in Montreal spark a revival for the home team, or extend Washington’s winning ways?
Sources
- ESPN – Capitals 7-4 Oilers game recap and box score
- NHL.com – Leonard scores twice, Capitals hold off Oilers game recap
- Reuters Sports – Alex Ovechkin, Capitals size up struggling Canadiens coverage
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.