Date: February 4, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

 

Recent Performance

Washington Capitals (34-11-7): The Capitals are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets two nights ago, despite the setback Washington has been strong recently, winning 7 of their last 10 games. They aim to leverage their home-ice advantage to rebound here tonight against a very strong Florida Panthers team.

 

Florida Panthers (32-15-7): The Panthers have been on a roll, winning their last 3 games convincingly. They defeated the L.A Kings on January 29th, the Chicago Blackhawks 5-1 on February 1st and followed up with a 6-3 victory over the New York Islanders on February 2nd. Florida looks to continue their momentum as they hit the road to face Washington tonight.

 

Team Records and Trends

Washington Capitals

• Overall Record: 34-11-7
• Home Record: 16-4-5
• Power Play: 23.0% (11th in the NHL)
• Penalty Kill: 83.4% (3rd in the NHL)
• Last 10 Games: 7-1-2

The Capitals have showcased a potent offense, averaging 3.50 goals per game, ranking them 2nd in the NHL. Their defense has also been solid, allowing 2.44 goals per game, placing them 2nd in the NHL. The only real concern is their faceoff win rate, currently at 50.5% and 49.8% in the last 5 games.

 

Florida Panthers

• Overall Record: 32-15-7
• Road Record: 16-10-1
• Power Play: 24.2% (7th in the NHL)
• Penalty Kill: 79.5% (15th in the NHL)
• Last 10 Games: 7-3-0

Florida has been effective offensively, averaging 3.28 goals per game, placing them 7th in the NHL, combining that with an equally effective defence that only allows 2.89 goals against per game. Their special teams have been a strength and they will look to utilize their best players to crack a strong Capitals team with the 3rd highest shots per game in the league. 

 

Key Players to Watch

Washington Capitals

• Dylan Strome: Leading the team with 50 points (15 goals, 35 assists), Strome’s playmaking abilities have been pivotal for Washington’s offense. His ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial against Florida’s strong defensive core.
• Alexander Ovechkin: The future hall of famer has contributed at a point per game pace with 3 goals and 2 assists in the last 5 games. His scoring touch at full strength and the powerplay will be crucial in Washington’s continued success . In his career he has 44 goals, 45 assists and a plus-minus of +11 in 72 games versus the Panthers.

 

Florida Panthers

• Sam Reinhart: Reinhart has been a consistent offensive contributor, leading the team with 59 points (31 goals, 28 assists). He has been particularly dangerous on the power play, where he has netted 19 of his points this season.
• Aleksander Barkov: The Panthers captain has been a key playmaker with 27 assists and a strong presence on both ends of the ice. His elite defensive play and ability to shut down opposing top lines make him one of the most complete centers in the NHL. In his last 5 games he’s got 4 goals and 5 assists for a whopping 9 points. 

 

Injury Report

Washington Capitals

• Sonny Milano – Injured Reserve

 

Florida Panthers

• Mackie Samoskevich – Out (illness)

 

Goaltending Matchup

Washington Capitals

• Logan Thompson: Confirmed to start in net tonight, Thompson has been impressive with a 23-2-4 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, and a .924 save percentage. His consistent performance has been a cornerstone for the Capitals.

 

Florida Panthers

• Sergei Bobrovsky: The Panthers will look to Bobrovsky again tonight, a key factor in Florida’s success, he’s got a 22-11-2 record in 35 games with a goals against average of 2.67 and a save percentage of .902 this season. His experience and stability in net provide confidence for the Panthers.

 

Game Outlook

The Capitals and Panthers are set for a competitive matchup. Washington will aim to leverage their home-ice advantage and rebound from their recent overtime loss. Florida, riding a 3 winning streak, will look to continue their offensive momentum. The performance of both teams goaltenders and special teams could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this contest, either way this game has the potential to be an extremely hard fought battle until the very end, make sure to tune in!

 

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