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Washington Capitals vs Vancouver Canucks Preview
All eyes will be on Alex Ovechkin when the Washington Capitals host the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday afternoon in D.C. The 40-year-old captain sits at 898 career goals — just two shy of becoming the first player in NHL history to reach the 900-goal mark.
Ovechkin finally found the net in Friday’s 5-1 win over Minnesota, snapping his season-opening drought and extending Washington’s win streak to four. That goal also pushed him past Gordie Howe for second all-time in even-strength goals.
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Capitals Building Momentum
The Capitals are rolling under new coach Spencer Carbery, blending veteran leadership with younger speed. Ovechkin’s goal Friday gave him four points through five games and sparked a strong team performance that saw Dylan Strome break out with two goals and two assists.
Tom Wilson added a power-play marker while defenseman Martin Fehervary and Logan Thompson anchored a tight defensive effort. Thompson made 13 saves to collect his fourth win of the season.
“We had speed through the neutral zone and were winning rebounds,” Strome said postgame. The Capitals rank among the league’s top five teams in goals allowed per game and are starting to generate offense off the rush — a key factor as they push for their fifth straight victory.
For team form and defensive rankings, visit the NHL Scores and Odds page.
Canucks Grinding Through Road Trip
The Canucks enter Sunday’s game with momentum of their own after beating Chicago 3-2 in a shootout on Friday. It was their second win in as many nights following a 5-3 victory over Dallas to open their five-game road swing.
Head coach Adam Foote liked the response after a sluggish first period in Chicago. “We made it harder than it needed to be,” he said, “but I liked how we kept going and found a way to win.”
Goaltender Kevin Lankinen was stellar, stopping 31 shots and turning aside all four shooters in the shootout. Brock Boeser netted the decisive goal in the fourth round, while Jake DeBrusk and Max Sasson scored in regulation.
Vancouver showed resilience after falling behind 2-0 early — a promising sign as they navigate a grueling travel schedule. For team matchups and up-to-date lines, check the NHL Expert Betting Guide.
Matchup Breakdown
Washington’s offense has begun to click behind Ovechkin and Strome, averaging 4.3 goals during their four-game win streak. The power play is also improving at 24%, while the penalty kill has held opponents scoreless in three straight games.
Vancouver ranks in the league’s top 10 for faceoff percentage and is getting balanced production from its forward group. However, the Canucks have struggled on the penalty kill, sitting at just 72%. That could be a problem against an Ovechkin-led power play in Washington’s building.
The teams split their two meetings last season, each winning 2-1 at home. Expect another tight defensive battle with heavy shot blocking and physical play along the boards.
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Betting Trends
- Washington is 4-0 in its last four games overall
- Vancouver is 4-2 in its last six road games
- The under has hit in three of Washington’s last five games
- The Capitals are 5-1 in their past six home meetings vs Western Conference teams
- Vancouver is 1-6 in its last seven games versus Metropolitan Division opponents
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Prediction
Washington has found its rhythm offensively and defensively, while Vancouver’s travel schedule may take a toll. If Ovechkin continues his hunt for goal No. 900 with the same intensity, the Capitals should extend their win streak to five.
Projected Score: Washington Capitals 4, Vancouver Canucks 2
Best Bet: Capitals Moneyline (-140)
Total Pick: Under 6 Goals (-110)
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
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