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Alex Ovechkin Chases Goal No. 900 as Capitals Host Senators
Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of another monumental milestone as the Washington Capitals host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night at Capital One Arena. The 40-year-old superstar needs just one more tally to reach 900 career goals — and the record-setting moment could come in his 1,500th regular-season game.
Ovechkin found the back of the net again Friday, scoring the game-winner in Washington’s 5-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was the 137th game-winning goal of his career, extending another one of his own NHL records. The Capitals have now won six of their last seven and appear to be finding rhythm after a slow start to the season.
Head coach Spencer Carbery praised his team’s resilience but acknowledged the uneven play in Columbus.
“We just stole two points,” Carbery said. “Logan [Thompson] was fantastic, especially early on. We’ll take it, but we’re going to need to be a lot better Saturday.”
The Capitals are expected to start Charlie Lindgren in net for the second leg of the back-to-back. Lindgren, who owns a 2.04 GAA and a .932 save percentage, will look to extend Washington’s strong defensive form — the club has allowed the fewest goals in the NHL so far this season.
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Game Information
Matchup: Ottawa Senators vs. Washington Capitals
Venue: Capital One Arena – Washington, D.C.
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
Odds: Capitals -129 | Senators +108 | Total 5.5
Capitals Building Momentum
Washington’s success has been built on discipline, structure, and timely scoring from its veteran core. Tom Wilson has recorded four goals and five assists during his current five-game point streak, while Dylan Strome continues to anchor the second line with consistent playmaking.
Ovechkin remains the emotional center of the franchise, and his pursuit of goal No. 900 has energized both teammates and fans. The Capitals currently rank top five in assists and shots on goal, while their defensive structure — anchored by goaltending depth — has kept opponents to just 1.6 goals per game.
With six wins in their past seven contests, the Capitals are starting to look like legitimate contenders again. They’ve relied on strong performances between the pipes and effective puck movement through all four lines. For bettors following the market, Washington’s consistency makes them a solid favorite to continue their winning stretch, according to the NHL Scores and Odds page.
Senators Seeking Consistency
For Ottawa, Thursday’s 2-1 win over Philadelphia provided a much-needed confidence boost after a 2-4-1 stretch. The Senators played one of their most structured games of the season, limiting the Flyers to just 22 shots and showing defensive improvement after early struggles.
“We had to work hard for this win,” said veteran forward Claude Giroux. “Everybody bought in, and we found a way to get the lead and keep it.”
Goaltender Linus Ullmark was sharp in the victory, while Shane Pinto continues to lead the team offensively with seven goals through eight games. Ottawa’s power play remains a strength, ranking among the league’s top five, and that could be their best weapon against Washington’s tight defensive setup.
Still, the absence of Brady Tkachuk looms large. Without their captain’s physicality and net-front presence, the Senators are searching for more secondary scoring. Head coach Travis Green emphasized the need for full-line contributions, noting that role players like Michael Amadio and Olle Lycksell must keep stepping up if Ottawa hopes to stay competitive.
Fans tracking team trends can find Ottawa’s updated form and key betting stats on the NHL Picks page, which highlights their struggles as underdogs and inconsistent puckline record.
Injury Reports
Ottawa Senators
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Brady Tkachuk (LW) | Out | Wrist Surgery |
Washington Capitals
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Pierre-Luc Dubois (C) | Out | Lower Body |
| Rasmus Sandin (D) | Questionable | Upper Body |
Analysis
The Senators have the speed and offensive creativity to test Washington, but their defense remains a major concern — particularly against a disciplined Capitals lineup that thrives on puck possession and neutral-zone control. Ottawa has struggled to protect leads and has allowed the fifth-most goals per game in the league.
Washington, meanwhile, has been elite on home ice. The combination of Ovechkin’s scoring threat, Wilson’s two-way play, and Strome’s vision has made them one of the more balanced teams in the East. Lindgren’s presence in goal adds stability that could prove decisive against Ottawa’s aggressive forecheck.
Expect the Capitals to dictate the pace and lean on their depth, while Ottawa will need special teams success to keep things close.
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Prediction
Ovechkin’s milestone opportunity adds energy to an already favorable matchup for Washington. Ottawa’s defensive lapses and lack of forward depth put them at a disadvantage against a confident Capitals squad at home.
Projected Score: Capitals 3, Senators 2
Betting Lean: Washington ML (-129), Under 5.5 (+102)
For detailed betting data, live lines, and verified expert predictions, visit ScoresAndStats NHL Picks to track sharp action and updated odds throughout the season.
