The Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals will meet Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on + in a game that offers an early-season check on two teams still trying to settle in. Montreal entered the week at 3-2-1, while Washington was 3-3-0 after an offseason that brought added attention and expectations.
That makes this more than just another regular-season matchup. The Canadiens were viewed as a preseason favorite, so their start has left some room for improvement. The Capitals, meanwhile, were praised for their offseason additions but have not yet turned that into a stronger record through the first stretch of 2025-26.
Why this game matters
The early numbers are close, but they point in different directions. Montreal has been a little steadier, though not quite at the level expected before the season. Washington has the kind of roster profile that suggests more upside, but the Capitals still need results to match the optimism surrounding them.
Alex Ovechkin remains part of the Capitals' storyline as he enters his final NHL season, adding another layer to a team already carrying pressure to make a long playoff run. That larger picture gives this game a little more weight, even in the middle of October.
Recent context around the week
The matchup also comes during a busy stretch around the league. On Tuesday, the Colorado Avalanche beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 in Dallas, another result that helps shape the early-season landscape as teams try to establish themselves.
For the Canadiens and Capitals, the immediate task is simpler: handle a divisional-type measuring-stick game and come away with something that feels useful in the standings. With both teams sitting near.500, the winner gets a better early answer about where things stand.
