Washington Capitals vs Boston Bruins Picks and Predictions October 8th 2025

Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The 2025-26 NHL season opens in the nation’s capital on Tuesday, Oct. 8, as the Washington Capitals host the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena. It’s a matchup between a team looking to defend its Eastern Conference crown and another trying to reestablish its identity after a rare down year.

Washington brings back most of the roster that finished atop the East last season. Alex Ovechkin, entering his 21st campaign, is just three goals shy of becoming the first player in league history to reach 900. Coach Spencer Carbery believes his group is motivated to climb higher after falling in the second round last spring.

The Bruins, meanwhile, start fresh under Marco Sturm after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. With David Pastrnak still leading the offense, Boston will aim to rediscover its defensive structure behind a healthy Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm.

You can find complete team details and recent performance data on the NHL teams page

Line Movement and Odds

According to the latest NHL odds, Washington opened as a slight -115 favorite, with Boston listed near +105. The total sits at 6 goals, up slightly from an opening number of 5.5.

Early sharp money leaned toward the Over, while the public action has been balanced on the moneyline. Bettors should watch for late movement, as market sentiment could shift toward the home side if Ovechkin’s chase narrative gains traction closer to puck drop.

Matchup Breakdown

Capitals Outlook

Washington’s offense remains elite, anchored by Ovechkin, Dylan Strome (career-high 82 points last year), and Tom Wilson, who netted 30 goals for the first time. Rookie Ryan Leonard adds youthful speed after back-to-back 30-goal seasons at Boston College.

On defense, John Carlson returns as the veteran stabilizer in front of Logan Thompson, who solidified the crease late last season. Expect the Capitals to push pace early and test Boston’s rebuilt blue line.

Bruins Outlook

Boston’s forward core looks different without Patrice Bergeron or Brad Marchand. Veterans Sean Kuraly, Michael Eyssimont, and Tanner Jeannot will try to inject energy into the bottom six. Pastrnak should once again carry the scoring load.

On the back end, a healthy McAvoy-Lindholm pairing gives Sturm’s squad defensive balance. Goalie Jeremy Swayman has been sharp in camp after a contract holdout last year disrupted preparation.

For deeper insight into early-season trends, check the NHL previews section

Injuries and Conditions

Washington Capitals:

• No major injuries reported entering the opener.
• Forward Justin Sourdif (lower body) is day-to-day but expected to be available.

Boston Bruins:

• Forward Jesper Boqvist (upper body) remains questionable.
• Defenseman Hampus Lindholm cleared for full contact.

Full updates are available on each club’s injury pages through expert betting guide

Best Bets and Prediction

The Capitals’ offensive chemistry and home momentum should give them the early edge. Boston’s defensive improvements and Swayman’s form keep it close, but Washington’s finishing depth is the separator.

Prediction: Capitals 4, Bruins 2
Best Bet: Capitals -115 moneyline
Secondary Lean: Over 6 goals

For a look at current betting splits and projections, explore NHL picks

ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks

See which pros are backing Washington or Boston on the Handicapper Leaderboard, or explore premium service plays for tonight’s slate.

You can also grab free insights from our Bettors Handbook to sharpen your strategy before placing your wagers.

CTA: Follow expert picks before puck drop.