The red-hot Washington Capitals, riding their impressive 45-15-8 record, welcome the Florida Panthers to Capital One Arena in what promises to be a compelling matchup between two of the league's most dynamic offenses.

Both teams bring contrasting styles to the ice - the Capitals' clinical 13.14% shooting efficiency against the Panthers' volume-based approach with over 2,100 shots this season - setting up an intriguing tactical battle.

The home team's stellar performance at Capital One Arena this season will be tested against a Panthers squad that, despite their recent 3-1 setback against Montreal, has proven they can light up the scoreboard with 217 goals this campaign.

Washington Capitals vs. Florida Panthers prediction: who will win?

For tonight's Washington Capitals vs Florida Panthers matchup, our predictive model gives the Caps a 60.5% chance of defeating the Panthers.

Washington Capitals: 60.5% win probability

  • League-leading points total (100 points in 69 games)
  • Superior goal differential (+73, scoring 251 while allowing 178)
  • Strong recent momentum (4-1-0 in last five games, WWWLW)

Florida Panthers: 39.5% win probability

  • Lower points total despite similar games played (87 points in 69 games)
  • Less efficient scoring rate (222 goals scored vs Capitals' 251)
  • Inconsistent recent form (2-3-0 in last five games, WLLWL)

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.

Washington Capitals vs. Florida Panthers odds

Here are the latest odds for this NHL matchup as the Washington Capitals host the Florida Panthers at home on Saturday, March 22.

Washington CapitalsFlorida Panthers
Moneyline-110 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)-110 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Washington Capitals vs. Florida Panthers preview

The red-hot Washington Capitals host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena in what's shaping up to be a classic Eastern Conference showdown.

The Caps are riding high after their convincing 4-1 victory over Detroit, showcasing their offensive firepower that's produced 247 goals this season - one of the league's most potent attacks.

Florida's coming off a tough 3-1 loss to Montreal where they struggled to convert chances, managing just one goal on 22 shots - a far cry from their usual offensive output.

Keep your eyes on veteran netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, who's been a wall for the Panthers with an impressive .914 career save percentage and could be the difference-maker in this tight matchup.

The Capitals' home-ice advantage might prove crucial, as they've been particularly deadly on the power play, converting 22.34% of their chances this season.

Both teams have been stingy in their own end, with Washington allowing just 173 goals while Florida's given up 184, setting the stage for what could be a defensive chess match.

This one's got all the makings of a nail-biter, with these evenly matched teams separated by just a handful of points in the standings.

Key stats

  • 1
    Washington Capitals lead Eastern Conference with 100 points from 69 games, while Panthers sit 4th with 87 points
  • 2
    Capitals show stronger recent form (WWWLW) compared to Panthers' mixed results (WLLWL)
  • 3
    Washington holds superior goal difference (+73) versus Florida's (+38) from similar games played
  • 4
    Both teams maintain solid offensive output with Capitals scoring 251 goals and Panthers netting 222 this season

Washington Capitals vs. Florida Panthers form

Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
Latest matches
W
W
W
L
W
Victories
4/5 (80%)
Defeats
1/5 (20%)
Mar 20, 2025
Philadelphia Flyers2:3Washington Capitals
Mar 18, 2025
Detroit Red Wings1:4Washington Capitals
Mar 15, 2025
San Jose Sharks1:5Washington Capitals
Mar 14, 2025
Los Angeles Kings3:0Washington Capitals
Mar 12, 2025
Anaheim Ducks4:7Washington Capitals
Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
Latest matches
W
L
L
W
L
Victories
2/5 (40%)
Defeats
3/5 (60%)
Mar 20, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets0:1Florida Panthers
Mar 16, 2025
New York Islanders4:2Florida Panthers
Mar 15, 2025
Montreal Canadiens3:1Florida Panthers
Mar 13, 2025
Toronto Maple Leafs2:3Florida Panthers
Mar 11, 2025
Boston Bruins3:2Florida Panthers

Washington Capitals vs. Florida Panthers head to head

Washington Capitals

33%

Florida Panthers

67%

Feb 5, 2025

Washington Capitals

6 : 3

Florida Panthers

Nov 26, 2024

Florida Panthers

1 : 4

Washington Capitals

Feb 24, 2024

Florida Panthers

3 : 2

Washington Capitals

Feb 9, 2024

Florida Panthers

4 : 2

Washington Capitals

Nov 9, 2023

Washington Capitals

3 : 4

Florida Panthers

Apr 8, 2023

Washington Capitals

2 : 4

Florida Panthers