Columbus (37-33-9) at Washington (50-20-9)
- When: Apr 13 2025, 6:00 PM
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, USA
- TV: MNMT
NHL Preview & Prediction: Blue Jackets at Capitals
Line: Washington -163 ML | Total: 6.5
The Washington Capitals host the Columbus Blue Jackets in a quick turnaround rematch Sunday evening, just one day after getting thoroughly dismantled 7-0 in Columbus. The Blue Jackets jumped out early and never looked back, scoring six goals in the first two periods to bury a Capitals lineup missing key names, including Alex Ovechkin.
Columbus Blue Jackets Outlook
Columbus (37-33-9, 83 points) enters this matchup on a three-game winning streak, and while their playoff hopes are razor-thin, they remain technically alive following Montreal’s OT loss to Toronto. The Jackets looked like a different team Saturday, scoring at will and playing with physical edge and urgency.
Second-year center Adam Fantilli continues to impress, notching a two-goal performance on Saturday — his fifth multi-goal outing of the season. His scoring touch (27 goals) and physical play ignited Columbus and set the tone for their dominant win. The Jackets are thriving offensively, and a fourth straight win would keep their faint postseason hopes intact.
Washington Capitals Outlook
Despite sitting comfortably atop the Eastern Conference with a 50-20-9 record and playoff position clinched, Washington has shown some late-season vulnerability. They’ve dropped three of their last six games — all by at least three goals — and their offense, which ranks among the NHL’s best, was non-existent on Saturday.
The Capitals rested Ovechkin and were also without Protas, Chychrun, and goalie Logan Thompson due to various ailments. Ovechkin is expected back in the lineup Sunday, while the status of the other injured players remains questionable. With the Presidents’ Trophy still in reach, there is motivation to bounce back, but recent inconsistency raises red flags.
Betting Prediction & Pick
After an embarrassing loss and with Ovechkin likely returning, expect Washington to come out sharp. A full-strength Capitals squad should deliver a better performance, especially on home ice, where they’ve thrived this season. However, Columbus is surging and playing with desperation. This one could be closer than the odds suggest.
Score Prediction: Capitals 4, Blue Jackets 3
Betting Picks:
Spread: Columbus +1.5 Puck Line
Total: Over 6.5 (-105)
Avoid Capitals -163 ML at current juice – value isn’t strong enough given recent form.
This one should be far more competitive than Saturday’s result, but Washington’s star power and playoff urgency should carry them late.
- NHL Odds source: MYBookie Sportsbook
