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Washington (32-26-7) at Philadelphia (29-23-11)
- When: Mar 11 2026, 7:30 PM
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- TV: TNT
Washington vs Philadelphia NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Washington -133
Spread: Washington -1.5 (+205)
Total: 6.0
Washington Capitals: Scoring Finally Arrives
Well folks, the Capitals are back to doing what they do best this season. Confusing bettors and giving cardiologists steady employment. Washington snapped a three game losing streak Monday by beating Calgary 7 to 3 in a game that looked comfortable, then chaotic, then comfortable again.
The Capitals led 3 to 0 after the first period. Naturally they allowed three straight goals in the second because apparently relaxing is illegal in hockey. But Washington remembered how to score again late in the third and piled on four goals in the final ten minutes.
Connor McMichael finally woke up from a seven game goal drought and scored twice. Justin Sourdif added a goal and two assists while Hendrix Lapierre chipped in with a goal and an assist. Washington had not scored more than four goals in a game since late January, so seven goals probably felt like they accidentally unlocked a cheat code.
Coach Spencer Carbery praised the team’s resilience, which is a polite way of saying the Capitals have been wildly inconsistent but still capable of blowing the doors off a team when everything clicks.
Oddly enough, Washington has dominated this matchup lately, winning seven of the last eight meetings with Philadelphia. Apparently the Flyers bring out their inner Stanley Cup contender.
Philadelphia Flyers: Playoff Hopes Fading
Meanwhile in Philadelphia, the Flyers recently reminded fans that hockey can be painful to watch. They got smacked 6 to 2 at home by the New York Rangers, which is not ideal if you enjoy winning or preventing goals.
Dan Vladar gave up six goals on 24 shots, though the Flyers kindly avoided blaming him because the entire defense treated the slot area like a tourist attraction. Opponents were allowed to stroll through it freely.
Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov scored the only goals for Philadelphia. The bigger issue was special teams. The Rangers scored three power play goals while the Flyers penalty kill politely watched.
Coach Rick Tocchet summed it up best. Protect the middle of the ice. Apparently that message arrived a few hours too late.
Despite the ugly loss, Philadelphia had actually won four of its previous five games before Monday’s meltdown. The Flyers are still clinging to faint playoff hopes, sitting seven points behind Boston for the second wild card spot.
So yes, technically the dream is still alive. Mathematically speaking anyway.
Prediction
The Bovada sportsbook lists Washington as a slight favorite at -125 and the puckline -1.5 at (+205) with the total set at 6.0 goals. Given the recent defensive adventures from both teams, that total might look a bit optimistic but.
Washington has dominated the season series and carries momentum from the offensive explosion against Calgary. Philadelphia is capable of responding at home, but their defensive zone coverage has been shakier than a rookie goalie in a shootout.
Expect a competitive game with a few defensive mishaps along the way.
Score Prediction: Capitals 4, Flyers 2
Pick: Washington -1.5 (+205)
Total: Over 5.5 Alt Lines (-135)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
