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.

Two weeks since Alex Ovechkin became the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, he and the Washington Capitals turn their attention to their next challenge as they open the playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens.

Are you as excited about this series as you were a couple weeks ago, when Alex Ovechkin was sprinting toward Wayne Gretzky and the Montreal Canadiens were on a six-game win streak? If the answer is “no,