| MATCHUP | Washington Capitals | Florida Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 20-13-5 | 20-15-2 |
| Spread | +1.5 -218 | -1.5 180 |
| Moneyline | +110 | -130 |
| Total | Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (100) |
| Where | Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, FL | |
| When | Monday, December 29, 2025 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
In this article we will formulate a Capitals vs Panthers prediction for this NHL game on Monday, December 29th at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals are 20-13-5 this season after they defeated New Jersey in overtime by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Washington trailed 3-2 in the third period, but tied the game up with about 11 minutes left and got the win in overtime. The Capitals were out shot by a total of 38-33, won 66.1% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Beauvillier, Ovechkin, Protas, and Chychrun, while Thompson stopped 35 out of 38 shots, which was a .921 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Washington lost to the Rangers by a score of 7-3 and the Red Wings by a score of 3-2. The Capitals have lost six of their last eight games and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 45 points. Washington has scored 3.18 goals per game and they have allowed 2.68 goals against per game, while also going 15.1% on the power play and 76.3% on the penalty kill this season. Tom Wilson has led Washington with 17 goals and 17 assists, while Alex Ovechkin has added 15 goals and 18 assists. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Logan Thompson, who is 15-9-3 with a 2.27 goals against average and a .917 save percentage this season.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers are 20-15-2 this year after they lost to Tampa Bay by a score of 4-2 in their last game. Florida led 1-0 early in the game, but they allowed the next three goals and couldn’t recover in the loss. The Panthers out shot TB by a total of 26-25, won 52.0% of the face-offs, and went 1-10 on the power play in the game. Florida got goals from Luostarinen and Marchand, while Bobrovsky stopped 21 out of 24 shots, which was an .875 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Florida defeated the Hurricanes by a score of 5-2, but lost to the Blues by a score of 6-2 before that. The Panthers have lost two of their last three games and they are currently fourth in the Atlantic standings with 49 points. Florida has scored 3.16 goals per game and they have allowed 3.16 goals against per game, while also going 18.4% on the power play and 83.1% on the penalty kill this season. Brad Marchand has led Florida with 21 goals and 21 assists, while Sam Reinhart has added 19 goals and 20 assists. The projected starting goalie for Florida is Sergei Bobrovsky, who is 16-8-1 with a 2.79 goals against average and an .888 save percentage this year.
Why the Florida Panthers will win
- The Panthers have won 12 of their last 14 night games at Amerant Bank Arena following a loss.
- The Capitals have lost six of their last seven night games at Amerant Bank Arena.
- The Panthers have covered the puck line in eight of their last 10 night games against the Capitals following a home loss.
- The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three road games after coming off overtime.
- The Panthers have won the third period in six of their last seven home games against Metropolitan Division opponents when leading after the second period.
Why the Washington Capitals will win
- The underdogs have won three of the Capitals’ last four games.
- The Panthers have lost three of their last four games as favorites following a loss.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine games as favorites.
- The Capitals have covered the puck line in eight of their last nine games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Panthers have lost the first period in each of their last four home games.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Panthers’ last four games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Capitals’ last three road games after coming off overtime have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Panthers’ last 10 Monday night games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last six road games against the Panthers.
Florida Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Carter Verhaeghe has scored at least one goal in four of the Panthers’ last five games as home favorites.
- Carter Verhaeghe has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Panthers’ last eight games against the Capitals at Amerant Bank Arena.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Aliaksei Protas has scored a goal in four of the Capitals’ last five games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- Rasmus Sandin has recorded an assist in four of the Capitals’ last five games as underdogs against the Panthers.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Florida Panthers rank 6th in the league for shots against per game this season (26.6).
- The Florida Panthers rank 6th in the league in penalty minutes this season (384).
- The Washington Capitals rank 26th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (76.27%).
- The Washington Capitals rank 8th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.68).
Capitals vs Panthers Prediction
Florida comes into this contest after losing two of their last three games and they have allowed 12 goals during that span. The Panthers are 12-8-2 at home this year, while the Capitals are 9-6-3 on the road. Washington has lost three of their last four, but did get a nice win over New Jersey last time out. The Capitals have solid defensive numbers on the season, but they have allowed 18 goals in their last four games. I think we are going to see some offense in this game and I like the over here.