Washington Capitals (46-15-8) vs Florida Panthers (42-24-3)
Game Info: Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 5:00 pm (Capital One Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Washington Capitals -110 / Florida Panthers -110 — Over/Under: 5.5
In this article we will formulate a Panthers vs Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, March 22nd at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Florida Panthers Betting Preview
The Florida Panthers are 42-24-3 this season after they defeated Columbus in overtime by a score of 1-0 in their last game. Florida played a very solid defensive game and was able to break through on the power play in overtime for the win. The Panthers outshot Columbus by a total of 29-25, won 55.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Florida got their lone goal from Barkov, while Bobrovsky stopped all 25 shots in the game.
Prior to that shutout win, the Panthers lost to the Islanders by a score of 4-2 and the Canadiens by a score of 3-1. Florida has lost three of their last five games and they are currently tied for first in the Atlantic standings with 87 points. Florida has scored 3.16 goals per game and they have allowed 2.67 goals against per game, while also going 24.4% on the power play and 81.4% on the penalty kill this season. Sam Reinhart has led Florida with 33 goals, 40 assists, and 184 shots on goal, while Aleksander Barkov has added 19 goals, 44 assists, and 131 shots on goal. Sergei Bobrovsky is 29-15-2 with a 2.45 goals against average and a .908 save percentage this season.
Washington Capitals Betting Preview
The Washington Capitals are 46-15-8 this year after they defeated Philadelphia by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Washington led 3-0 in the third period, but they allowed two goals in the third and barely hung on for the win. The Capitals were outshot by a total of 28-16, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Duhaime, Mangiapane, and Ovechkin, while Lindgren stopped 27 out of 28 shots in the game.
Prior to that win, the Capitals defeated the Red Wings by a score of 4-1 and the Sharks by a score of 5-1. Washington has won eight of their last nine games and they are currently first in the Metro standings with 100 points. Washington has scored 3.62 goals per game and they have allowed 2.54 goals against per game, while also going 22.2% on the power play and 82.6% on the penalty kill this season. Dylan Strome has led Washington with 22 goals, 45 assists, and 122 shots on goal, while Aliaksei Protas has added 29 goals, 33 assists, and 129 shots on goal. Logan Thompson is 30-4-5 with a 2.29 goals against average and a .917 save percentage this year.
Why the Capitals will beat the Panthers
- The Capitals have won nine of their last 10 night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Panthers have lost five of their last six night games following an overtime win.
- The home team has covered the puck line in eight of the Panthers’ last nine games.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the puck line in eight of their last nine road games.
- The Capitals have won the third period in seven of their last eight games against Atlantic Division opponents when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Panthers’ last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Capitals’ last eight night games against the Panthers following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in 12 of the Panthers’ last 13 night games against opponents on a winning streak.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last seven home games against Eastern Conference opponents.
Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts
- Tom Wilson has scored a goal in four of the Capitals’ last five games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- Aliaksei Protas has recorded at least one point in each of the Capitals’ last five games at Capital One Arena.
- Aliaksei Protas has recorded at least one assist in each of the Capitals’ last five games at Capital One Arena.
Florida Panthers Player Prop Facts
- Matthew Tkachuk has scored at least one goal in seven of his last eight appearances.
- Aleksander Barkov has recorded at least one point in each of the Panthers’ last six games at Capital One Arena.
- Aaron Ekblad has recorded at least one assist in each of his last six appearances.
- Sam Reinhart has scored the last goal in three of the Panthers’ last four night games at Capital One Arena.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Washington Capitals are one of only two teams in the league to rank top 5 for both goals for and goals against per game this season.
- The Washington Capitals rank 5th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (82.59%).
- The Florida Panthers rank 2nd in the league in short handed goals this season (12).
- The Florida Panthers rank 3rd in the league for shots per game this season (31.6).
Panthers vs Capitals Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup towards the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but Washington will be at home for this game. The Capitals are 23-7-6 at home this year, while the Panthers are 20-14-1 on the road. Washington has won eight of their last nine games and they are one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now. Florida has lost three of their last five games and they are struggling to score, as they have scored two goals or fewer in four of their last five games. Both teams have been great defensively this year, but I am worried about the Florida offense right now. Take Washington at home.