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 Montreal Canadiens visit the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of the first-round, best-of-7 series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Friday.

The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning meet Wednesday as they continue their Eastern Conference first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.