The top teams in the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions meet Tuesday night as the Florida Panthers visit the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. Florida (32-19-3) leads the Atlantic, while Washington (34-11-5-2) sits atop the Metropolitan. The Capitals took the last meeting between the teams, winning 4-1 on November 25.
Both teams enter this matchup playing well. Florida has won three straight, while Washington has earned points in 13 consecutive home games (9-0-4). With two of the best teams in the East facing off, this game could be a playoff preview.
Panthers Preview – Verhaeghe Leading the Offense
Florida is coming off back-to-back dominant wins, beating Chicago 5-1 and the Islanders 6-3. Carter Verhaeghe has been red hot, recording a hat trick and an assist in the win over New York. He also had a goal and an assist against Chicago.
Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov continue to be major factors for the Panthers. Tkachuk has nine points (four goals, five assists) in his last five games, while Barkov leads the team with 35 assists this season.
Sergei Bobrovsky has been solid in net, posting a 22-11-2 record with a .902 save percentage. He stopped 25 of 26 shots in the win over Chicago and has allowed two or fewer goals in three of his last four starts.
Capitals Preview – Ovechkin Closing in on History
Washington has lost three of its last four, but it has picked up points in its last two games, both 5-4 overtime losses. The Capitals have been dominant at home, going 9-0-4 in their last 13 games.
Alex Ovechkin is heating up, scoring in back-to-back games. His latest goal, a blast from the point against Winnipeg, brought him to 24 on the season and 18 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record.
Goaltending has been a strength for Washington, with Charlie Lindgren and Logan Thompson splitting duties. Lindgren has a .915 save percentage this season, while Thompson has been solid with a .913 mark.
Betting Prediction
Florida is a slight favorite at -120, while Washington is a home underdog at +100. The total is set at 5.5 goals. The Panthers have been strong on the road (16-10-1), but Washington’s home point streak is tough to ignore.
With both teams scoring at a high rate and playing strong defense, this game should be close. Florida’s depth gives them a slight edge, but Washington’s home form makes them a dangerous underdog. A low-scoring game is likely, making the under a solid play.
Pick: Under 5.5 Goals
