Winnipeg (36-14-3) at Washington (34-11-6)
- When: Feb 1 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, USA
- TV: MNMT
Game Preview
Moneyline Favorite: Washington (-112) | Total: 5.5 Goals
Two of the NHL’s hottest teams meet Saturday night as the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets visit the Eastern Conference’s top squad, the Washington Capitals. Both teams are coming off strong performances and enter this showdown with momentum on their side.
Winnipeg Jets: Offensive Surge Continues
The Jets are firing on all cylinders, extending their win streak to five games after dismantling the Boston Bruins 6-2 on Thursday. Winnipeg has now won eight of its last 10 games, solidifying its place atop the West.
Mark Scheifele continues to be the driving force for the Jets, scoring twice against Boston to reach the 30-goal mark for the fourth time in his career. He now shares the franchise record of 328 goals with Ilya Kovalchuk, further cementing his legacy in Winnipeg.
Kyle Connor has been just as lethal, also hitting the 30-goal mark for the seventh time in his career. With Winnipeg averaging 4.2 goals per game over its last five contests, their offensive depth is proving too much for most opponents to handle.
Head coach Scott Arniel has emphasized the importance of an aggressive mindset, particularly with Scheifele. “When he’s in that shoot-first mentality, he’s a nightmare for defenders. His shot is too good to pass up scoring chances,” Arniel noted.
Key Betting Angles for Winnipeg:
Mark Scheifele Anytime Goal Scorer – Given his hot streak and milestone achievements, backing him to find the net again is a solid bet.
Kyle Connor Over 2.5 Shots on Goal – As the team’s offensive catalyst, expect Connor to be heavily involved in creating scoring opportunities.
Jets Team Total Over 2.5 Goals – Winnipeg’s offense has been red-hot, and Washington has struggled defensively at times.
Washington Capitals: Finding Ways to Win
The Capitals continue to rack up points, securing at least one in 14 of their last 15 games (10-1-4). Despite a tough 5-4 overtime loss to Ottawa on Thursday, Washington returns home with confidence after a successful 3-1-1 road trip.
Alex Ovechkin remains the heart of this team, scoring his team-leading 23rd goal of the season while also adding two assists against the Senators. With 876 career goals, he now sits just 19 shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record.
Dylan Strome has also stepped up for Washington, scoring twice in Ottawa to extend his team-high point total to 49. After a 10-game scoring drought, he has three goals in his last two games, making him a crucial factor in Washington’s offensive game plan.
Washington’s ability to fight back from deficits was on display against the Senators, as they erased a two-goal third-period hole to force overtime. Head coach Spencer Carbery praised the team’s resilience, saying, “To battle the way we did at the end of a long road trip shows the kind of fight this group has.”
Key Betting Angles for Washington:
Alex Ovechkin Anytime Goal Scorer – With history on the line, Ovechkin will be gunning to add to his career total.
Dylan Strome Over 0.5 Points – Given his recent resurgence, he’s a strong play to contribute on the scoresheet.
Capitals Team Total Over 2.5 Goals – They’ve found ways to score, especially at home, making this a solid bet.
Betting Prediction & Final Thoughts
This game features two of the NHL’s most consistent teams, and both bring plenty of firepower into this contest. Winnipeg’s offense has been clicking at an elite level, while Washington has leaned on its star power to keep pace in the East.
With both teams capable of finding the back of the net, the Over 5.5 is a strong play. Given Winnipeg’s recent form and offensive momentum, backing the Jets as a slight underdog (-108 or better) has value.
Final Score Prediction: Winnipeg Jets 4, Washington Capitals 3
Best Bets:
Over 5.5 Goals
Mark Scheifele Anytime Goal Scorer
Alex Ovechkin Over 3.5 Shots on Goal
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
