Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens have officially clinched their spot in the NHL playoffs. Martin St-Louis’ squad will face off against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

For now, the information we have (which was confirmed by defenseman Kaiden Guhle) is that this first-round series between Montreal and Washington will begin next Monday.

The long-awaited Game One is therefore scheduled for next Monday night.

However, as reported by TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie, the National Hockey League could still announce a change.

Renaud Lavoie warns that the NHL could still announce a change regarding the schedule for the series between the Canadiens and the Capitals

We’ll keep you updated with any developments on this as soon as they happen.

“Unless the NHL changes its schedule again!”

– Renaud Lavoie, TVA Sports

Let’s remember that the Caps finished second overall in the entire NHL standings and first in the Eastern Conference, with an impressive record of 51 wins, 21 losses, and 9 overtime or shootout losses.

That’s a total of 111 points for Alex Ovechkin’s squad.

However, they ended the season on a rougher note, with 4 wins and 6 losses, and they’re dealing with some key injuries, so the Canadiens do have a shot.

And you, just days away from puck drop, what’s your prediction for this first-round clash between Montreal and Washington?

Personally, I’d be surprised if it ended in four or five games, but hey, anything’s possible.