The Washington Capitals (23-9-2) head to Little Caesars Arena to face the struggling Detroit Red Wings (13-17-4) in a crucial Sunday evening matchup that could have significant implications for both teams' seasons.

The Capitals, sitting just one point behind the Devils in the Metropolitan Division, have demonstrated impressive form this season with their league-second-best 3.8 goals per game average and sixth-ranked defensive record.

Detroit enters the contest amid organizational changes, having recently dismissed head coach Derek Lalonde following a concerning four-game losing streak and defensive struggles that have seen them concede four or more goals in their last five games.

The matchup presents an intriguing contrast between Washington's stellar goaltending duo of Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren, who have been instrumental in the team's success, and Detroit's defensive challenges under newly appointed coach Todd McLellan.

While the Capitals dominated last season's series with a 2-1 record against the Red Wings, Detroit's young talents Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider could prove decisive in their bid to reverse their recent fortunes.

As these teams prepare to face off, the key battle may come down to Washington's disciplined defensive approach against Detroit's desperate need to jumpstart their offense and snap their current slide.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals: who will win?

For tonight's Detroit Red Wings vs Washington Capitals matchup, our predictive model gives the Capitals a 57% chance of defeating the Red Wings.

Washington Capitals: 57% win probability

  • Strong goal-scoring efficiency (130 goals for in 35 games)
  • Excellent defensive record (91 goals against, among league's best)
  • Superior overall record (24 wins in 35 games, 2nd in Eastern Conference)

Detroit Red Wings: 43% win probability

  • Poor offensive output (90 goals for in 35 games, among lowest in league)
  • Defensive struggles (116 goals against in 35 games)
  • Recent poor form (LLLLW, lost 18 of 35 games)

At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals odds

Detroit Red WingsWashington Capitals
moneyline+125 (via bet365 US)-135 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Key stats

  • 1
    The Detroit Red Wings have won 13 out of 35 matches this season.
  • 2
    The Washington Capitals have won 24 out of 35 matches this season.
  • 3
    With 30 points, the Detroit Red Wings holds the 15th position in the league standings.
  • 4
    Washington Capitals's 50 points place them 2nd in the rankings.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals form

Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
Latest matches
L
L
L
L
W
Victories
1/5 (20%)
Defeats
4/5 (80%)
Dec 28, 2024
Toronto Maple Leafs5:2Detroit Red Wings
Dec 24, 2024
St. Louis Blues4:0Detroit Red Wings
Dec 22, 2024
Montreal Canadiens5:1Detroit Red Wings
Dec 21, 2024
Montreal Canadiens4:3Detroit Red Wings
Dec 19, 2024
Philadelphia Flyers4:6Detroit Red Wings
Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
Latest matches
W
L
W
W
L
Victories
3/5 (60%)
Defeats
2/5 (40%)
Dec 29, 2024
Toronto Maple Leafs2:5Washington Capitals
Dec 24, 2024
Boston Bruins4:1Washington Capitals
Dec 22, 2024
Los Angeles Kings1:3Washington Capitals
Dec 21, 2024
Carolina Hurricanes1:3Washington Capitals
Dec 18, 2024
Chicago Blackhawks3:2Washington Capitals

Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals head to head

Detroit Red Wings

50%

Washington Capitals

50%

Apr 9, 2024

Detroit Red Wings

1 : 2

Washington Capitals

Mar 26, 2024

Washington Capitals

4 : 3

Detroit Red Wings

Feb 28, 2024

Detroit Red Wings

8 : 3

Washington Capitals

Sep 30, 2023

Detroit Red Wings

5 : 2

Washington Capitals

Sep 28, 2023

Washington Capitals

4 : 3

Detroit Red Wings

Feb 22, 2023

Washington Capitals

1 : 3

Detroit Red Wings