Date: January 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Location: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC

 

Recent Performance
The Washington Capitals (33-5-10) are rolling into Vancouver riding a six-game winning streak, showcasing their dominance in the Eastern Conference. Their latest victory, a convincing 3-0 shutout against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, was highlighted by Alex Ovechkin’s milestone 875th career goal. The Capitals have been relentless in recent weeks, outscoring their opponents 18-4 over their last six games. 

 

The Vancouver Canucks (20-17-10) have struggled to find consistency, dropping three of their last four contests. Their latest setback came in a tough 6-2 loss against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. Vancouver’s defense has been shaky, allowing an average of 4.2 goals per game over their last five outings. As they host the surging Capitals, the Canucks will need to tighten up defensively and find ways to spark their offense.

 

These two teams have met already in 2025 on January 8th in Washington where the Capitals won the game in overtime 2-1 with both goals coming from Pierre-Luc Dubois. This will be the last time these two teams face each other this regular season.

 

Team Records and Trends
Washington Capitals
Overall Record: 33-5-10
Road Record: 17-6-1
Power Play: 23.0% (10th in the NHL)
Penalty Kill: 84.6% (2nd in the NHL)
Last 10 Games: 8-0-2
The Capitals are among the NHL’s elite, fueled by a balanced attack and rock-solid goaltending. Their special teams have been a significant strength, with a power play operating at 23% efficiency. They’ve also excelled on the penalty kill, ranking in the league’s top 10.

 

Vancouver Canucks
Overall Record: 20-17-10
Home Record: 8-10-6
Power Play: 21.7% (16th in the NHL)
Penalty Kill: 79.7% (13th in the NHL)
Last 10 Games: 2-6-2
Vancouver has struggled to find consistency this season. Despite flashes of brilliance, including strong performances from key players like Quinn Hughes, their special teams have been middling. Their penalty kill ranks in the bottom half of the league, while their power play has failed to capitalize on critical opportunities.

 

Key Players to Watch
Washington Capitals

• Alex Ovechkin: The Capitals’ captain continues to defy time, leading the team with 22 goals and contributing with 12 assists. His incredible scoring ability remains the backbone of Washington’s offense, he’s scored 3 goals in the last 6 games.
• Aliaksei Protas: The rookie forward has been a stabilizing force on the wing, his size and play speaks for itself but he is also contributing 20 goals and 20 assists and leads the team at +27 on the ice. Protas’s ability to drive the offense while maintaining solid defensive play makes him invaluable.

 

Vancouver Canucks

• Conor Garland: With the Oilers rematch now behind Garland he will be mentally reset and ready to play his game again tonight without having a target on his back tonight. Vancouver’s offense relies heavily on his ability to create scoring chances and drive the play with 11 goals and 20 assists on the season.
• Quinn Hughes: The dynamic defenseman has 12 goals and 40 assists, showcasing his playmaking skills and offensive instincts. Hughes will need to step up against a high-powered Capitals offense. I fear he may be dealing with a hand injury but he is playing with a fire under him as of late.

 

Injury Report
Washington Capitals

• Sonny Milano – Injured Reserve

Vancouver Canucks

• Kiefer Sherwood – Day-to-day
• Noah Juulsen – Injured Reserve
• Dakota Joshua – Injured Reserve

 

Goaltending Matchup
Washington Capitals

• Charlie Lindgren: Lindgren is confirmed to start in net. He’s been having a strong season for the Capitals, posting a 11-8-2 record in 22 games with a goals against average of 2.53 and a save percentage of .904 this season.. His composure and consistency have made him a reliable backstop during Washington’s recent surge.

 

Vancouver Canucks

• Kevin Lankinen: Lankinen is getting the nod tonight for Vancouver. He has a record of 16-8-6 in 30 games with a goals against average of 2.63 and a save percentage of .903 with two shutouts this season. While Lankinen has been reliable, he’ll need to elevate his game against Washington’s potent attack.

 

Game Outlook
The Capitals come into this matchup as the favorites, with their high-flying offense, reliable goaltending, and strong special teams giving them the edge. Alex Ovechkin is in vintage form, and Washington’s depth players have been stepping up during their six-game winning streak.

For Vancouver, the key to pulling off an upset will be limiting turnovers and finding a way to slow down Ovechkin. Pettersson and Hughes must lead the charge offensively, while Lankinen will need to deliver a standout performance in goal. Special teams could play a pivotal role, particularly if the Canucks can capitalize on Washington’s few defensive lapses.

Expect a competitive game with plenty of scoring chances, but the Capitals’ depth and momentum may ultimately prove too much for the Canucks to handle.

 

Don’t miss out on the latest picks and analysis! Join my Discord for exclusive insights and plays: https://discord.gg/nYuBqc26dh
-BetOnBanana