As the NHL regular season draws to a close, the Washington Capitals are set to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 14, 2025, at 1:00 AM Moscow time at the Capital One Arena. This matchup comes just two days after a shocking 0-7 defeat for the Capitals against the same team, which has left fans and players alike eager for redemption.
Despite the heavy loss, Washington has secured its position at the top of the Eastern Conference, having clinched the regular season title. However, the team’s recent performance has raised concerns, particularly with several key players sidelined due to injuries, including Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie. The Capitals will be looking to regain their form and assert their dominance at home against a Columbus team that is fighting for its playoff life.
Columbus, currently in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, is the last team still in contention for a playoff spot. They need to win all their remaining games and hope for favorable outcomes in other matches to have any chance of making it to the postseason. Their recent victory against Washington has given them a boost of confidence, and they will be looking to capitalize on the Capitals’ vulnerabilities.
Experts from FONBET have analyzed the matchup and consider Washington the favorites to win. The odds for a Capitals victory in regular time stand at 1.70, reflecting a 56% probability of success. In contrast, a win for the Blue Jackets is priced at 3.75, with a 25% chance, while a draw is set at 5.00, indicating a 19% probability.
Alexander Ovechkin, who missed the previous game, is expected to return to the lineup and could play a crucial role in Washington’s attack. Ovechkin currently holds the record for the most goals scored in NHL regular season history, with 895 goals, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's 894. His presence on the ice is expected to significantly enhance the Capitals' offensive capabilities.
In the last five games, Ovechkin has scored four goals, making the odds for him to score against Columbus set at 1.62. Should he fail to find the net, the odds are 2.15. Additionally, there’s a bet available on whether Ovechkin will register at least one point, with odds at 1.25 for a point and 3.50 if he does not contribute at all. The expectation is that Ovechkin will come out strong, especially after such a humiliating loss.
Washington's recent form has been inconsistent, with the team alternating between wins and losses. After a tough game against the Islanders where they lost 1-4, the Capitals managed to secure a narrow victory against the Carolina Hurricanes, winning 5-4 in overtime. However, the subsequent defeat against Columbus has raised questions about their readiness for the playoffs.
Columbus has shown resilience in recent games, having won their last three matches, including a decisive 5-2 victory over Ottawa and a hard-fought 3-2 win against Buffalo. The Blue Jackets are determined to continue their winning streak, especially after their remarkable performance against Washington. Their forward, Van Riemsdyk, was particularly impressive in the last game, scoring one goal and assisting on two others.
As both teams prepare for this crucial matchup, the stakes are high. The Capitals are eager to prove that their last game was an anomaly, while the Blue Jackets are motivated by the slim chance of reaching the playoffs. Washington’s home advantage and the return of Ovechkin may tip the scales in their favor, but Columbus is not expected to go down without a fight.
Fans are anticipating an exciting game, and with Washington looking to avenge their previous loss, the atmosphere at the Capital One Arena is sure to be electric. Betting trends suggest that the total number of goals may exceed 5.5, given both teams’ recent scoring capabilities and defensive struggles.
In summary, the Capitals will aim to assert their dominance, while the Blue Jackets fight for survival in the playoff race. The return of Ovechkin adds an intriguing layer to this already compelling matchup. Will Washington bounce back from their shocking defeat, or can Columbus pull off another upset? Fans will find out soon enough as the puck drops on this vital contest.
