Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

The NHL announced on Thursday the Canadiens’ round 1 schedule against the Washington Capitals in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning are treating us to the best series of the first round, and that's because they are so evenly matched, despite what pundits thought ahead of the duel.