Detroit (30-26-6) at Washington (40-14-8)
- When: Mar 7 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, USA
- TV: MNMT
Capitals Look to Stay Hot as Ovechkin Chases History Against Struggling Red Wings
Moneyline: Capitals -225 | Spread: Capitals -1.5 (+112) | Total: 6.5
Washington is surging as they continue to separate themselves from the Eastern Conference pack, while Detroit is desperate to end a four-game skid. This matchup features two teams trending in opposite directions, with the Capitals looking to clinch the top seed and the Red Wings fighting to stay in the playoff hunt.
Washington Capitals
Washington enters this game riding momentum after back-to-back wins, including a 3-2 overtime thriller against the New York Rangers. The game was highlighted by Alex Ovechkin, who scored his 885th career goal, moving him just nine away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record.
Ovechkin also sits on the brink of another milestone, needing just one point to reach 1,600 for his career. With 32 goals in 46 games this season, he remains a nightmare for opposing goaltenders, especially in big moments.
“He seems to score every time on a big stage in a big moment,” said Capitals defenseman John Carlson.
Beyond Ovechkin, the Capitals’ offense has been finding clutch performances from players like Tom Wilson, who scored the overtime winner against the Rangers. Meanwhile, Washington’s defense has held opponents to two or fewer goals in six of their last nine games, helping them pull seven points clear in the Eastern Conference standings.
Washington will be eager for revenge after dropping the first meeting with Detroit in December, a 4-2 road loss despite an Ovechkin goal. Expect the Caps’ power play to be a major factor in this matchup, as Detroit has struggled on the penalty kill.
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit is in freefall, having lost four straight games, including a 4-2 defeat to Utah on Thursday despite outshooting the opposition 40-19. The Red Wings simply haven’t been able to finish their chances, which is a massive concern against a disciplined Capitals defense.
“We’ve lost not playing well, and we’ve lost playing well,” team captain Dylan Larkin said. “We just can’t find a win.”
Thursday’s loss was especially frustrating, as Detroit scored twice in the first period but failed to find the back of the net the rest of the way. Larkin and Jonatan Berggren provided the offense early, but the team’s lack of finishing ability allowed Utah to capitalize on third-period breakdowns.
Coach Todd McLellan expressed concern about the team’s mindset, noting that they seem tight and hesitant in critical moments.
“Sometimes I think our players care too much and tighten up. They’re afraid to swing the bat, if you will,” McLellan said.
Detroit’s lineup will be even thinner on Friday, as rookie forward Carter Mazur, who made his NHL debut Thursday, suffered an upper-body injury and won’t travel to Washington.
With the Red Wings’ recent scoring struggles and Washington’s ability to lock down defensively, this could be a tough night for Detroit’s offense.
Betting Prediction
The Capitals have been dominant at home, and with Ovechkin chasing history, they should come out energized. Meanwhile, Detroit’s inability to close out games and a struggling penalty kill make them a risky bet on the road.
Pick: Capitals -1.5 (+112)
Total Prediction: With Detroit’s lack of offensive firepower and Washington’s defensive efficiency, the Under 6.5 (-122) looks appealing.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
