Minnesota (2-2-0) at Washington (3-1-0)
- When: Oct 17 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, USA
- TV: MNMT
Minnesota vs Washington NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Washington -128
Spread: Washington -1.5 (+205)
Total: 5.5
Washington Capitals: Riding Momentum and Finding Their Groove
The Capitals are heating up early in the season, chasing their fourth straight win after a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over Tampa Bay. This team looks rejuvenated, shaking off a slow start and building chemistry in all three zones. Washington’s veterans are steadying the ship, while the younger core continues to add speed and energy.
Alex Ovechkin hasn’t found twine yet, but history says that drought won’t last. The Great 8 has torched Minnesota before, tallying 20 goals and 18 assists in 25 career games. Meanwhile, Jakob Chychrun is emerging as an early difference-maker, already collecting four points and delivering the game-winner in their last outing.
Goaltending remains strong as well. Logan Thompson’s calm presence between the pipes has been key, stopping 70 of 76 shots in his first three starts. If the Capitals’ offense gets rolling behind Ovechkin and Protas, this could be another night where Washington makes bettors happy.
Player Prop Pick (Washington): Alex Ovechkin Anytime Goal Scorer (+132) – Ovi’s due, and against a Wild defense that’s been shaky 5-on-5, this feels like the night.
Minnesota Wild: Power Play on Fire, Even-Strength Concerns Rising
The Wild enter this one looking to shake off a 5-2 loss in Dallas and fix their even-strength offense, which has gone cold lately. Minnesota is still lethal on the man advantage, going 10-for-21 on the power play through four games, thanks largely to Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, who’ve combined for seven of those tallies.
Kaprizov has been his usual electric self, logging four goals and five assists already. Still, his numbers against Washington haven’t been great, zero points in four career games, so he’ll be motivated to change that narrative. Minnesota will need him and Boldy to carry the scoring load again if they want to keep pace with a confident Capitals team.
Goaltender Filip Gustavsson hasn’t been sharp to start the season, posting a 3.06 GAA, but he’s been solid historically against Washington with a 3-1 record and a .912 save percentage. Expect him to bounce back with a tighter defensive effort in front of him.
Player Prop Pick (Minnesota): Kirill Kaprizov Over 0.5 Power-Play Points (+125) – The Wild’s special teams are their weapon, and Kaprizov drives it.
NHL Prediction and Final Score
Washington has the edge in form, momentum, and goaltending. Minnesota’s power play might keep it close, but the Capitals’ depth and defensive structure should be enough to grind out another win at home.
Score Prediction: Capitals 3, Wild 2
Pick: Washington (-128)
Total: Under 5.5 (+102)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
