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2025-26 Washington Capitals Predictions and Odds to Win Stanley Cup Finals

by Ryan Cobbett - 10/1/2025

Washington Capitals predictions Dylan Strome

Last season, the Washington Capitals were the best team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season as they finished with 111 points. Their +56-goal differential was the second best in the conference while their 43 regulation wins were tied for the second most in the NHL. Washington bullied the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, winning that series in five games. Unfortunately, their season ended in the second round as they were stomped by Carolina who won that series in five.

Washington had one of the best offensive attacks in the NHL. They ranked second in the league in scoring as they averaged 3.49 GF/G. Their special teams were solid as well as they ranked 13th in the league with a 23.5% PP% and their 82% PK% ranked fifth. Dylan Strome led the team with 82 points on 29 goals and 53 assists. Alex Ovechkin continued to defy age as he recorded 73 points in 65 games while finishing with a team best 44 goals. Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas finished the season with 33 and 30 goals while Pierre-Luc Dubois had a nice season as he finished with 66 points. Dubois was joined by Connor McMichael, Strome, and Jakob Chychrun that reached the 20-goal milestone on the season.

Washington allowed 2.79 GA/G which ranked eighth in the league despite their .900 SV% ranking just 15th. Logan Thompson appeared in 43 games for Washington last season, and he allowed just 2.49 GA/G while recording a team best .910 SV%. Charlie Lindgren appeared in 39 games, and he allowed 2.73 GA/G. Hunter Shepard and Clay Stevenson both appeared in one game where they combined to allow 6.00 GA/G, and they both lost their appearances.

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Seasons come and go, so now it’s time to take a look at what we can expect from the Washington Capitals in 2025-26:

Washington Capitals Key Additions/Losses

Lars Eller who had 15 points in 63 games for the Capitals last season, signed with Ottawa while Andrew Mangianpane (28 points) left for Edmonton. Taylor Raddysh (27 points) also left via free agency as he signed with the New York Rangers.

There were no significant additions for Washington this past season despite losing some key pieces from last year’s team.

Washington Capitals X-Factors

The Front Office- This is the final chance Washington has to give Ovechkin a deep run in the playoffs. Washington had some incredible depth that came to light this season, but they could use another top tier point producer to team up with Ovechkin and Strome. The front office needs to be active in monitoring the market and be competitive in trying to make a home run deal to boost this roster and take a swipe at bringing home the Stanley Cup.

Washington Capitals Goalie Outlook

The Thompson/Lindgren duo was one of the best in the NHL last season as Washington ranked in the Top 10 in GA/G. However, that was Thompson’s best season in his career, and it remains to be seen whether he has elevated his game to a new level or if last year’s performance was more of an outlier. Lindgren has been solid for Washington over the past two seasons, though his SV% dropped significantly from .911 to .896. This duo is not going to change for Washington, so they need to maintain their production from last season in order to give their team a chance of a deep run.

Grade: B-

Washington Capitals Key Schedule Stretch

The Trade Deadline- As mentioned, the front office has got to get something done by the deadline if this team wishes to compete in the playoffs. Last season they were completely overpowered by the Carolina Hurricanes and that will repeat itself unless Washington can add some more weapons up front. The depth is not reliable as it may seem, and Washington could be due for a regression if they cannot find some help. Ovechkin is out of time and Washington owes it to him to invest fully in this year’s core and give him a shot at the Stanley Cup this season.

Washington Capitals Notable Odds

Stanley Cup Champions: +2700

Conference Winner: +1300

Division Winner: +600

To Make the Playoffs- Yes: +168

Vezina Trophy- Charlie Lindgren: +2500

Hart Trophy- Alex Ovechkin: +50000

Vezina Trophy- Logan Thompson: +200

Washington Capitals Prediction

I expect Washington to return to the 100-point mark again this season, but once again I think that is going to provide false hope to their fanbase. The Capitals will be an elite regular season team that does not match up well with the other top tier teams in the league. Take the over on the point total, but unless this front office adds some more talent to the roster, it is hard to see them making a deep run.

Over 94.5 Team Total Points

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