Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 1/2/2025 7:00 PM EST

We have your Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Minnesota Wild hit the road to face the Washington Capitals.

Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Minnesota Wild +130 (DraftKings) / Washington Capitals -155 (DraftKings)
Best Puck Line Odds: -1.5 - Minnesota Wild -205 (DraftKings) / Washington Capitals +170 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 5.5 - Under +100 (BetMGM) / Over -120 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 1/2/2025
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Capital One Arena (Washington, DC)
TV: ESPN+

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past three seasons, the Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals have faced off four times, with Minnesota emerging victorious in three of those encounters. The games have predominantly favored the home team, which has won three out of the four matchups. Minnesota has consistently outperformed expectations, covering the spread in all four games, while Washington has failed to do so. The games have generally been high-scoring affairs, with the total score going over the set line in three instances and under just once. Across these matchups, Minnesota has demonstrated a strong offensive presence, often capitalizing on their opportunities to secure wins.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on January 23, 2024, with the Minnesota Wild defeating the Washington Capitals 5-3. Minnesota, playing at home, was the favorite with a closing moneyline of -156, while Washington was the underdog at +128. The Wild took an early lead with two goals in the first period and maintained their advantage throughout the game. Minnesota's offensive efforts were led by Marcus Johansson, who scored twice, and Brock Faber, who opened the scoring. Despite Washington's attempts to rally in the third period with goals from T.J. Oshie and Anthony Mantha, Minnesota's defense, backed by goaltender Filip Gustavsson's 30 saves, held firm. The game saw a total of 63 shots on goal, with Washington slightly outshooting Minnesota 33 to 30. The final score exceeded the closing over-under line of 5.5, marking another instance where the game went over.

In the context of these past encounters, Minnesota has shown a consistent ability to secure victories against Washington, particularly when playing at home. The Wild's success has been underpinned by their ability to cover the spread and capitalize on scoring opportunities, as evidenced by their performance in the most recent game. Washington, on the other hand, has struggled to find a winning formula against Minnesota, both in terms of outright victories and against the spread. As the two teams prepare to meet again, these historical trends may offer insights into potential outcomes, with Minnesota likely looking to maintain their dominance and Washington aiming to reverse their fortunes.

Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals Preview

The Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals are set to clash in what promises to be an electrifying encounter at Capital One Arena. The Capitals, currently leading the Eastern Conference, have been formidable at home with a 12-4-2 record, and they are riding a wave of momentum with four consecutive home victories. Their recent triumph over the Boston Bruins showcased their resilience, with goaltender Logan Thompson delivering a stellar performance to secure a 3-1 win. Washington's defense, led by Jakob Chychrun, has been instrumental in their success, effectively neutralizing opponents' power plays and maintaining a strong presence on the ice.

On the other hand, the Minnesota Wild have established themselves as the NHL's best road team, boasting a 13-3-3 record away from home. They enter this matchup on the back of a convincing 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators, where their power play was particularly potent. Despite the absence of star forward Kirill Kaprizov due to a lower-body injury, the Wild have demonstrated depth and resilience, with players like Marco Rossi stepping up to fill the void. However, the team faces challenges with injuries to key players, including captain Jared Spurgeon, which could impact their defensive stability.

Historically, the Wild have had the upper hand against the Capitals, winning five of their last six meetings. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain a strong offensive presence has been a hallmark of their success against Washington. As the two teams prepare to face off, the Capitals will be keen to leverage their home advantage and continue their winning streak, while the Wild will aim to extend their dominance in this matchup. With both teams showcasing strong form, this game is poised to be a thrilling contest, with each side looking to assert their supremacy in their respective conferences.

Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals Pick: Washington Capitals Moneyline

As the Minnesota Wild prepare to face the Washington Capitals, the odds favor the Capitals, and for good reason. Washington has been a powerhouse at home this season, boasting a 12-4-2 record at Capital One Arena. Their recent form has been impressive, with four consecutive home victories, including a solid 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins. This success has been largely attributed to their strong defensive play and the exceptional goaltending of Logan Thompson, who has been a stalwart between the pipes with a 15-2-2 record this season. The Capitals' defense, led by Jakob Chychrun, has been effective in shutting down opponents' power plays, a crucial factor in their recent triumphs.

While the Wild have been formidable on the road, with a league-best 13-3-3 record, they are currently dealing with significant injuries. The absence of star forward Kirill Kaprizov, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury, and the potential loss of captain Jared Spurgeon due to injury, could impact their performance. Despite their depth, these injuries may hinder their ability to maintain their usual offensive prowess and defensive stability.

Historically, the Wild have had success against the Capitals, but Washington's current form and home advantage make them a formidable opponent. The Capitals are leading the Eastern Conference and have shown resilience and cohesion, particularly in tight games. With Alex Ovechkin back in the lineup, albeit recovering from a recent injury, Washington's offensive threat remains potent. Given these factors, the Capitals are well-positioned to secure a victory in this matchup, making them the favored pick on the moneyline.

Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals Top Player Prop Picks

Joel Eriksson Ek Over 2.5 Shots On Goal -114 (BetRivers)

Joel Eriksson Ek has been a consistent performer for the Minnesota Wild, and his ability to generate shots on goal makes the over on this prop an enticing option. In the recent matchups against the Washington Capitals, Eriksson Ek has shown his offensive prowess, contributing significantly to the Wild's scoring opportunities. With the Wild missing key players like Kirill Kaprizov, Eriksson Ek's role in the offense becomes even more crucial. Given his track record and the Wild's need for offensive production, Eriksson Ek is likely to be heavily involved in the attack, making the over on 2.5 shots a strong play.

Aliaksei Protas Over 1.5 Shots On Goal -135 (FanDuel)

Aliaksei Protas has emerged as a key contributor for the Washington Capitals, particularly in recent games. His ability to find shooting lanes and contribute offensively has been evident, as highlighted by his two-goal performance in a recent game. With the Capitals looking to maintain their strong home record, Protas is expected to be an active participant in their offensive schemes. The Capitals' strategy often involves creating opportunities for their forwards, and Protas's recent form suggests he will continue to be a focal point in their attack. The over on 1.5 shots is supported by his current momentum and the Capitals' offensive setup.

Tom Wilson Over 0.5 Points -102 (FanDuel)

Tom Wilson's physical presence and offensive capabilities make him a valuable asset for the Washington Capitals, especially in high-stakes games like this one against the Minnesota Wild. Wilson has been effective in contributing to the Capitals' scoring, as evidenced by his recent goal-scoring form. With the Capitals aiming to extend their home winning streak, Wilson's role in both creating and finishing scoring opportunities will be pivotal. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the ice, combined with his recent performances, makes the over on 0.5 points a compelling choice. Given the Capitals' need for offensive contributions from all lines, Wilson is well-positioned to register at least a point in this matchup.