ES 
NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Capitals Visit Flyers with Momentum as Ovechkin’s Historic Chase Continues
Capitals Riding High After Dramatic Win
The Washington Capitals (26-19-7) enter Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers (29-19-6) coming off an emphatic 6-3 win over the Florida Panthers.
That game was punctuated by a last-second empty-net goal from Alex Ovechkin, who now sits at 878 career goals—just 16 shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record (894).
Ovechkin’s Historic Pursuit
- Season Stats: 25 goals, 21 assists, 46 points
- Career vs. Flyers: 50 goals in 76 games (second-most vs. any team)
- Scoring Surge: 10 goals in last 12 games
“Something special is happening,” Capitals forward Tom Wilson said. “To fake the shot with three seconds left and put it in with a tenth of a second left, it’s just incredible.”
Beyond Ovechkin, Nic Dowd (1G, 2A) and Aliaksei Protas (1G, 1A) played key roles against Florida, while Washington’s defense limited the Panthers’ potent attack.
Flyers Struggling After Heartbreaking OT Loss
The Flyers are on a four-game losing streak, but Tuesday’s 3-2 OT loss to Utah was particularly crushing.
Philadelphia finally snapped its three-game scoreless drought just two minutes into the game when Rodrigo Abols netted his first NHL goal. However, a defensive lapse allowed Utah’s Dylan Guenther to score with less than a second left in OT.
Flyers’ Offensive Struggles
- Last 4 Games: 2 goals total (3 shutouts)
- Power Play Rank: 26th in NHL (16.4%)
- Key Absences: Multiple injuries and trades have depleted the roster
Industry’s Best
Handicapping Membership
Head coach John Tortorella acknowledged the team’s struggles, particularly turnovers and lack of scoring depth.
“We cannot play a style that lets a team go 140 feet against us, especially a skilled team,” Tortorella said.
Despite the loss, goalie Samuel Ersson was outstanding, making a career-high 39 saves. He could get the nod again Thursday.
Season Series & Goaltending Matchup
Previous Meetings:
- Oct. 13: Washington 3, Philadelphia 2 (OT)
- Oct. 14: Washington 4, Philadelphia 1
The Capitals have won both meetings this season, with Ovechkin scoring in the second game.
Projected Goalie Duel:
Washington: Charlie Lindgren (Likely Starter)
- Record: 15-8-3
- GAA: 2.53 | SV%: .913
Philadelphia: Samuel Ersson (Likely Starter)
- Record: 17-11-4
- GAA: 2.45 | SV%: .905
Ersson has been strong despite Philadelphia’s struggles, while Lindgren has provided stability in net for Washington.
Top NHL Picks and Predictions to Boost Your Betting Game 💰
Final Thoughts: Can the Flyers Snap Their Skid?
The Flyers desperately need a win, but the Capitals are heating up at the right time—especially with Ovechkin chasing history.
If Philadelphia can’t generate more offense, Washington could secure a season-series sweep and extend its winning streak over the Flyers.
Expect a gritty, high-intensity matchup as Ovechkin’s pursuit of greatness continues.
