Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NHL match.
Even a 2:3 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets wasn’t enough to knock the Washington Capitals off the summit of the NHL standings. Alexander Ovechkin, meanwhile, struck his 36th goal of the season — inching ever closer to Wayne Gretzky’s once-untouchable record.
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild aren’t too concerned with records — their focus is survival. With Kirill Kaprizov sidelined, the pressure has shifted onto Matt Boldy, who registered five points in five games before hitting a wall. After three straight wins, the Wild ran into back-to-back fixtures against divisional heavyweights the Dallas Stars (0:3) and the Vegas Golden Knights (1:5) — and were soundly beaten. Matt Boldy went quiet, and the power play disappeared: 0/5 across those two games. To be fair, the travel didn’t help either.
Washington Capitals
Alexander Ovechkin’s goal against the Winnipeg Jets was No. 889 — just six shy of Gretzky. With 11 regular-season games remaining, the record is genuinely within reach. More broadly, the Capitals are cruising. They lead the Metropolitan Division by 13 points over the Carolina Hurricanes and had won four in a row before the loss in Winnipeg. The Capitals remain balanced, with scoring depth, structure, and two reliable goaltenders keeping them consistent night after night.
Minnesota Wild vs Washington Capitals Prediction
The Minnesota Wild have lost steam offensively, with just one goal from 56 shots in their last two defeats and a power play in freefall. The Washington Capitals, meanwhile, look every bit the Eastern Conference champions-in-waiting. With momentum, firepower, and form on their side, expect the Capitals to bounce back and claim the points.
