NHL Predictions: Oct. 23 Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals

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 on the final outcome. In this edition, the Philadelphia Flyers head to D.C. to play the Capitals for the second half of a home-and-home series.

NHL Predictions

Philadelphia Flyers (1-4-1) at Washington Capitals (4-1-0)

Time: 7:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC

TV: TNT/MAX
2024-25 Regular Season Series: Capitals lead Flyers (1-0)

Why Philadelphia Can Take This Matchup

The Flyers and Capitals met last night and it didn’t end well. In fact, it might as well have been a wake-up call for this Flyers team. After dropping their fifth straight game, the Flyers are looking to get something going tonight against the Caps. They have fallen behind early in four out of their six games this season. They need to get on the board early, so they can finally play with a lead. Their 5-on-5 play is atrocious, they are being outscored 17-6 during even-strength play over their first six contests.

If this isn’t addressed and cleaned up, it’s going to be a long season for the team. A bright spot in the lineup would have to be the youngster, Matvei Michkov. He collected another point last night, having five in his first six games. His production has not gone unnoticed and has propelled the Flyers to multiple closer games in which they dropped. The Flyers need some production from the youngster and the rest of the lineup tonight to help the team get back on track.

Why Washington Can Take This Matchup

Washington has been surging the last few games. Last night they extended their win streak to four and are looking to stretch it even further tonight. Their special teams were a driving force to their victory last night, netting two shorthanded goals. Goalie Charlie Lindgren was fabulous last night as well, stopping all but one of the Flyers’ 18 shots. Lindgren wasn’t the only one stopping pucks last night, the Capitals blocked 16 shots, one less save than the goaltender. Philadelphia struggled to get pucks through with this display of defence by the Caps.

If the Caps want to take tonight’s matchup, they just need to stick to their game plan and keep it simple. They return home tonight in front of their faithful fans with as much momentum as any NHL team right now. They have a wounded Philadelphia team that is still trying to find its footing. Washington should have no issue taking this second game of a back-to-back, home-and-home series.

NHL Predictions Time

Going back on the road might be a good thing for Philly after their terrible two-game mini homestand. The Flyers managed to score just one goal in their time at home. However, Washington seems to have be carefree about where they play, as they have been winning at home and on the road. Washington is going to continue to roll, and Philadelphia is going to attempt to stop their train but, we don’t believe they will be able to, so take Washington in this one.

Prediction: Washington Capitals 5 – Philadelphia Flyers 2

NHL Prediction Prop Bets

We are going to reach for a prop bet today and have a little fun. According to Fanduel, Travis Konceny is +1300 to score the first goal today. Konecny was the Flyers leading scorer last year and is due to score since he hasn’t in a few games.

Main Photo Credit: Eric Hartline – USA TODAY Sports

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