Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey looks at the games and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. In this edition, the Philadelphia Flyers host division rival Washington Capitals for the first half of a home-and-home series. This two-game series is also being played on back-to-back nights.
NHL Predictions
Washington Capitals (3-1-0) At Philadelphia Flyers (1-3-1)
Time: 6:00 PM Eastern Time (EDT)
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TV: ESPN
2023-24 Regular Season Series: Capitals Beat Flyers (2-1)
Why Philadelphia Can Take This Matchup
Philadelphia heads into this matchup after their fourth straight loss and is still hungry to get back in the win column. Despite their record, the Flyers have been playing some decent hockey. They were shut out last game, but had some great chances in the second and third period that they just couldn’t capitalize on.
They have to avoid having a slow star, as they have had an issue with that this season. Over the span of their four game losing streak, Philadelphia has been outscored 13-7 in the first and second periods of those games. If Philadelphia can avoid falling behind Washington early, they can get the crowd behind them and try to get ahead.
Captain Sean Couturier is a player to look out for in this rivalry matchup. Couturier has fared well against Washington over his career and is a player who lives for these rivalry matchups. In 45 appearances against the Caps, Couturier has 33 points (13 Goals, 20 Assists). Couturier also brings the physicality in these games, he is no stranger to stepping in and answering the bell, when its rung. A leader like this will get adrenaline pumping on the bench and motivate a struggling team, and that’s much needed In a big rivalry matchup early in the season.
Why Washington Can Take This Matchup
The Caps have started their season on an absolute heater. After dropping their first game this season, Washington ripped off three straight wins. They come marching into Philly looking to make a statement and extend their streak to four consecutive wins. Forward Tom Wilson has been the driving force of this Caps team, starting the season on a five-game goal streak. Wilson has found the back of the net in every game this season, and looks to extend that streak Tuesday night against Philly. Along with Wilson, veterans John Carlson, and Alex Ovechkin both have been producing on the offensive end. Carlson has five points (1 Goal, 4 Assists) and Ovechkin has tallied four (1 Goal, 3 Assists). Lastly, their biggest producer is someone unexpected, Dylan Strome, has been able to put up seven points through his first five contests. He found the back of the net three times, and assisted on four goals.
Besides the offence, the backend has been solid for this Capitals team. Goalies Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren have only allowed 14 goals through five games. This is five less than the 19 Washington allowed in the first five games last season. If this backend can keep Philadelphia off the board as much as possible, Washington will win this game.
NHL Predictions Time
The Flyers are eager to win in front of their fans for the first time this season. They have a tough challenege with a scorching hot Capitals team coming in on Tuesday night. Other storylines in this game are that the Future Russian star Matvei Michkov faces up against the greatest Russian to ever lace up a pair of skates in Alexander Ovechkin. This rivalry matchup has it all and we think Philadelphia takes this contest at home, as the crowd’s energy helps them surge to a close win.
Philadelphia Flyers 4- Washington Capitals 3
NHL Prediction Prop Bets
If you’re in the market for some prop bets, Alex Ovechkin anytime goal scorer is +125. This pick has great value as Ovechkin has dominated the Flyers. In 74 career games against the club, Ovechkin has 80 points, 49 of them being Goals.
Main Photo: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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