The Detroit Red Wings (26-21-8) and Washington Capitals (28-24-6) are set to take the ice Tuesday night with crucial points on the line. This matchup is one of nine on a busy NHL schedule today, but it’s worth considering nonetheless.
Detroit is looking for its first playoff appearance since the 2015-16 postseason, while Washington is facing a crossroads: is it time for the Caps to sell? The Red Wings vs Capitals score at the end of the night could speak volumes about the future for both organizations.
Let’s get into the game preview before making a score prediction.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals Odds Breakdown
The NHL odds show the Capitals are favorites at home at -140, while the road Red Wings are +120.
Detroit at +1.5 goals on the moneyline yields -200 odds while taking Washington’s -1.5 goals checks in around +170.
The over/under total is set at six goals, with a slight lean to the over at -115.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals Information
Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals
Location: Capital One Arena, Washington D.C.
Date and Time: Tuesday, February 21, 2023, 7:00 PM ET)
How to Watch: ESPN+
Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals Recent Scores
This is the third and final meeting of the regular season between these two clubs. The Red Wings vs Capitals score in the first game was 3-1 for Detroit on November 3, while Washington won in overtime 4-3 on December 19.
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings are 7-3-0 in their last ten games. They’ll enter on the heels of a 4-2 road loss against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday that snapped a five-game winning streak.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals are in the thick of a four-game losing skid, tying their longest such streak this season. They are 3-7-0 in their last ten games, most recently suffering a 4-1 road loss against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals Betting Preview
Detroit Red Wings Preview
Red Wings has been all over the board this season, their inconsistencies maddeningly frustrating for fans and sports bettors alike when making NHL picks. Since the turn of the calendar, the Red Wings have picked up quality wins against playoff contenders like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, and Edmonton Oilers. However, they’ve also dropped key points against the lowly Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Dylan Larkin once again tops the Detroit Red Wings stats list, leading the team with 22 goals and 56 points in 54 games. He’s been on a heater lately, with seven goals and six assists in his active seven-game point streak.
Keep an eye on young defenseman Moritz Seider as well. He’s getting it done at both ends of the ice, with points in six of his last ten games. Seider also ranks fourth in the league in blocked shots, and he frequently finds his way onto the NHL stats sheet with a couple of hits each game to boot.
Lucas Raymond is still listed on the NHL injury report. He’s close to a return but will miss Tuesday’s game.
Though unconfirmed as of writing, Ville Husso projects as the starting netminder on Tuesday. This season, Husso has a 21-13-5 record, a 2.95 GAA, and a .904 save percentage with three shutouts.
Washington Capitals Preview
There’s been no shortage of Washington Capitals injuries this year, but the “next man up” mentality has kept the Caps in the hunt thus far. However, the Caps are quickly losing ground in a loaded Metropolitan Division and now sit two points back of an Eastern Conference playoff spot in the NHL standings.
Alex Ovechkin is always a threat to score; his 32 goals on the year are miles ahead of the next closest skater (Marcus Johansson at 13). However, Ovechkin may be out of the lineup following his father’s death. He’s been away from the team, and there is no timetable for his return.
Per head coach Peter Laviolette, Nic Dowd is still out with a lower-body injury but is “getting closer” to a return. John Carlson is also nearing a return and was in full gear ahead of Monday’s practice. Keep an eye on their statuses ahead of pregame warmups.
Darcy Kuemper should get the call between the pipes on Tuesday. On the season, he has a 16-17-4 record, a 2.67 GAA, a .914 save percentage, and five shutouts. Kuemper’s five shutouts are tied with Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders for the league lead among NHL player stats.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals Pick and Prediction
This game ultimately comes down to Alex Ovechkin’s status. If he’s in the lineup, it’s hard to think the Capitals wouldn’t rally around their hurting hero and have a little extra motivation. Not to mention, in 32 games against the Red Wings in his career, Ovechkin has potted 23 goals and posted 37 points.
However, with Ovechkin’s status up in the air, the safer pick in this one is the Detroit Red Wings on the moneyline. Getting plus money is a bonus, and the Wings have played fairly well on the road this season (12-10-5).
We would expect a lower total for the Red Wings vs Capitals score, especially with Ovechkin doubtful. When making your NHL picks today, run with the Red Wings.
- Final Score Prediction: Detroit Red Wings 3, Washington Capitals 2
- Pick: Detroit Red Wings moneyline (+120)
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