Canadiens : the Capitals won’t be easy to beat if Alex Ovechkin is on his game

Will the Washington Capitals have Alex Ovechkin in their lineup next year? The question is being asked.

After all, even though he has one year left on his contract, we all know he wants to finish his career at home, in Russia. And since he beat Wayne Gretzky, it’s possible that the aging player may want to make the most of the time he has left to return to Moscow.

The Ivan Demidov experience has taught us that a contract can be broken.

Some people seem to think that Ovi is in his final stretch in the NHL. And if that’s the case, it could give the Capitals a real boost going into the playoffs.

Remember how the habs played for Carey Price and Shea Weber in 2021. It worked wonders.

So my point is this: if the Canadiens were to face the Capitals in the playoffs, could it be more difficult than we think? I think so.

I think we’re sometimes quick to assume/predict that the habs would win against the Capitals, a power in the NHL. There’s optimism in the air – and that’s great – in the city, but the habs are still in rebuilding mode, officially.

What better way to welcome back the #Gr8 first practice post-chase than with 895 students chanting “OVI!” as he takes the ice#Gr8ness pic.twitter.com/euoPam1KhL

— y – Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 9, 2025

Note that I’m not saying the Capitals are invincible and the habs have no chance. I think all the teams in the East, to some extent, can be beaten.

Except maybe the Panthers. In my opinion, if that team doesn’t make it to the Stanley Cup finals, it will be an organizational failure.

If it heats up in the playoffs and Arber Xhekaj is not there, it won’t be easy. And if Samuel Montembeault doesn’t turn into Jaroslav Halak, does the habs have a chance, often falling behind in their games?

Will the Ivan Demidov effect be enough to allow the habs to beat a team that currently has 20 more points than them in the standings? The vibes may be good, but… we can ask ourselves the question.

“Part of the reason he wanted to be in Montreal was because he loves pressure. He embraces pressure and thrives on it…He was begging for it.” – Nick Bobrov on Ivan Demidov at the draft.

Well, buckle up, Ivan. https://t.co/gUe1X5WWOU

— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) April 9, 2025

overtime

Note this: if the Senators lose on Friday night against the habs, the gap between the habs and the Senators could be even smaller than expected. And then…

Is it possible that it could be the Maple Leafs on the menu in the first round? The Lightning? It would be special series, especially if it’s Toronto, a team known for losing in the first round.