Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings Picks and Predictions March 18th 2025

Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings March 18th 2025

Betting on today’s Red Wings and Capitals game? Catch the action at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, as the Capitals hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this Eastern conference contest is set at 6.5 goals, with the Capitals being favored by -1.5 goals at home against the Red Wings.

Detroit vs. Washington Key Information

• Teams: Red Wings at Capitals
• Where: Capital One Arena Washington
• Date: Tuesday, March 18th
• Betting Odds WAS -190 | DET +160 O/U 6.5

The Red Wings Can Win If…

Detroit improved to 32-29-6 with a 2-1 win over the Sabres. The Red Wings trailed 1-0 after the first period but responded with two goals in the second. As -1.5 goal favorites, Detroit failed to cover the puck line. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined score of 3 fell well short of that mark.

Both of Detroit’s goals came on the power play, with Dylan Larkin finding the net each time. The Sabres scored first, at 11:39 in the first period, but Larkin tied it up at 7:49 in the second. He added the go-ahead goal later in the same period, at 14:38.

Detroit’s offense was held scoreless in the first period before Dylan Larkin netted his 6th and 7th goals of the season in the second period. Both of Larkin’s goals came on power plays, with the first coming 7:49 into the period and the second at 14:38.

The Red Wings took 23 shots on goal but had 15 giveaways. Alex DeBrincat picked up his 4th assist of the season, while Lucas Raymond added his 10th. Patrick Kane also contributed with his 6th assist on Larkin’s first goal.

Detroit’s defense gave up the first goal at 11:39 of the first period, but they locked things down after that, not allowing another goal. Cam Talbot made 31 saves with a 96.9% save percentage. Detroit’s defense also recorded 4 takeaways and 11 hits.

• Over their last three games, the Red Wings have gone 2-1 straight up. Their strong play has also resulted in an puck line mark of 2-1 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 1-1-1 in those same games.
• Across Detroit’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 3-7. In these contests, the team went just 5-5 against the spread, while going 4-4-2 on the over-under.

The Capitals Can Win If…

The Capitals fell to 44-15-8 after a 4-2 road loss to the Hurricanes. Washington’s defense struggled, allowing the Hurricanes to score the game’s first goal at 5:59 in the first period. However, the Capitals responded with two goals before the end of the first, but they were unable to score again, and the Hurricanes added three more goals, including one in the third period.

Washington entered the game as underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6 goals, resulting in a push. The Capitals’ defense allowed 44 shots on goal, while their offense managed only 21. Alex Ovechkin and Brandon Duhaime each scored for Washington, but the team couldn’t hold on to the lead after being up 2-1.

Washington’s offense took 21 shots on goal in their 4-2 loss to Carolina, but they managed to score just twice, with both goals coming in the first period. Alex Ovechkin netted his 7th goal of the season on a power play, while Brandon Duhaime added his 2nd goal.

The Capitals recorded 15 giveaways and were held scoreless in the second and third periods after Duhaime’s goal at 19:49 in the first. Nic Dowd picked up his 2nd assist of the season, and Dylan Strome added his 13th assist on Ovechkin’s power-play goal.

Washington’s defense will look to bounce back after allowing three straight goals in their previous game, including two in the second period and one late in the third. Despite a strong performance from Charlie Lindgren, who made 41 saves with a 93.2% save percentage, the Capitals’ defense recorded just two takeaways and 20 hits.

• The Capitals have posted a 2-1 record in their previous three games. This also includes going 2-1 puck line and an over-under mark of 1-1-1.
• Washington has put together a record of 6-4 in their last ten games (regular season). This includes going 4-6 vs. the puck line along with an over-under mark of 4-4-2.

The Lean

If you’re considering a direct moneyline bet, the Capitals is the choice to make. However, with a payout of -190, you might want to use this bet as a building block for a parlay.

My recommended pick for the puck line is to take the Red Wings to cover. Even if the Capitals win straight-up, this one should be close throughout and the Red Wings should cover the puck line.

If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6.5 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.

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Alex Ovechkin Continues Record Chase as Capitals Host Red Wings

The countdown continues for Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, who enters Tuesday night’s home game against the Detroit Red Wings just eight goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record.

Ovechkin added to his tally on Saturday with a goal in a 5-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, bringing his total to 887 career goals. With 34 goals and 21 assists in 51 games this season, Ovechkin remains locked in as one of the league’s most dominant scorers.

“It’s great. Lots of people are watching, and there’s a lot of attention. It’s a great feeling,” Ovechkin said about his historic chase.

Capitals Stay Hot in Playoff Push

The Capitals (best record in the Eastern Conference) have won six of their last seven games, solidifying their NHL Metropolitan Division Odds as they gear up for a deep playoff run.

Washington jumped out to a 3-0 first-period lead against San Jose, with goals from Dylan Strome, Aliaksei Protas, Taylor Raddysh, and Trevor van Riemsdyk. Tom Wilson, Lars Eller, and Pierre-Luc Dubois each recorded two assists, while Logan Thompson made 19 saves.

“We had a great start, all four lines rolling, making smart decisions,” Ovechkin said.

While Washington went 2-1-0 on their three-game California road trip, they now return home with NHL Conference Winner Odds trending in their favor.

Red Wings Fight for Wild-Card Spot

The Detroit Red Wings are still battling for a wild-card playoff position, but their 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday was only their second victory in nine games.

Goaltender Petr Mrazek, who was acquired from the Blackhawks at the trade deadline, made 18 saves for the shutout. It was his 14th shutout for Detroit and his first since Jan. 22, 2018.

“Playing three straight games has definitely helped,” Mrazek said. “Once you’re playing, you get your confidence and swagger back.”

Detroit’s goals came from Albert Johansson, Lucas Raymond, and Marco Kasper. Raymond (69 points in 67 games) snapped an 11-game goal drought and remains Detroit’s leading scorer.

Red Wings legend Patrick Kane also hit a milestone, playing in his 1,287th career game, moving past Phil Kessel into 10th place all-time among U.S.-born players.

Season Series & Betting Outlook

• Detroit won 4-2 at home on Dec. 29.
• Washington responded with a 5-2 home win on March 7.
• Ovechkin’s record chase adds major intrigue to this matchup.

With the NHL Atlantic Division odds, Stanley Cup Odds, and expert picks at stake, bettors should check the latest insights on the PICK & ODDS PAGE from our EXPERT BETTING GUIDE.

Final Thoughts

Can Ovechkin edge closer to the all-time scoring record, or will Detroit keep its playoff hopes alive with a key road win? Expect an intense battle as both teams fight for crucial points.