Florida (32-19-3) at Washington (34-11-7)
- When: Feb 4 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Capital One Arena , Washington, DC, USA
- TV: MNMT
Game Preview
Florida (-122) vs. Washington | Total: 5.5
Two division leaders go head-to-head on Tuesday night as the Florida Panthers hit the road to take on the Washington Capitals. Fresh off a perfect three-game homestand, the Panthers look to keep rolling against a Capitals squad that has been tough to beat at home but has struggled in recent matchups.
Florida Panthers: Can They Keep the Momentum Going?
Florida (32-14-4) is riding high after dominating their latest stretch, including back-to-back offensive explosions in wins over the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders. The Panthers have now won three straight and continue to assert themselves as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.
Carter Verhaeghe has been red-hot, notching four goals in his last two games, including a hat trick in Sunday’s 6-3 win over the Islanders. His chemistry with Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov has been on full display, and this top line will be crucial as Florida faces a Capitals team that is tough to crack defensively.
Sam Reinhart remains a scoring machine, tallying his 31st goal of the season while also racking up four assists over the past three games. Meanwhile, Barkov has quietly put together an impressive five-game stretch, with eight points (one goal, seven assists).
However, the Panthers will need to exorcise some demons after falling 4-1 to the Capitals in their previous meeting this season. That loss saw Florida get stifled offensively, managing just one goal as Lars Eller and Jakob Chychrun led the charge for Washington.
Washington Capitals: Strong at Home, But Can They Finish?
Washington (27-15-6) leads the Metropolitan Division but has hit a rough patch, dropping three of its last four games. However, the Capitals have still managed to collect points in two straight overtime losses, extending their home point streak to 13 games (9-0-4).
The biggest storyline continues to be Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of NHL history. The legendary forward has found his scoring touch again, netting goals in back-to-back games, including his 24th of the season against Winnipeg. Ovechkin is now just 18 goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.
While Ovechkin’s scoring is crucial, Washington’s defensive lapses have been costly. Head coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged missed opportunities in their 5-4 OT loss to Winnipeg, particularly in key late-game situations.
Despite their recent struggles, the Capitals have already proven they can beat Florida, as they did earlier this season with a dominant 4-1 win. If Washington’s defense can step up, they have the offensive firepower to make this another tight contest.
Betting Prediction & Best Bets
Moneyline Pick: Florida Panthers (-122) → The Panthers are in better form, and their offense is clicking at the right time.
Total Pick: Over 5.5 → Both teams have been scoring at a high rate, and Washington’s defensive struggles could lead to another high-scoring game.
Player Prop: Carter Verhaeghe Over 0.5 Goals → Verhaeghe is coming off a hat trick and has been one of the most consistent scoring threats for Florida.
Player Prop: Alex Ovechkin Anytime Goal Scorer → Ovechkin has goals in back-to-back games and remains a force on the power play.
Expect a competitive game, but Florida’s recent surge and offensive firepower give them the edge.
Final Score Prediction: Panthers 4, Capitals 2.
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- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
