Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Wednesday night in the NHL brings the second single-game slate of the week as the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals play the second of a home-and-home back-to-back.

Washington beat Philadelphia by a score of 4-1 in what was a rather stress-free win in the first game of this back-to-back on Tuesday night. 

These teams have started off trending in different directions to begin the season. Washington is off to a somewhat surprisingly strong start, while Philadelphia has yet to find any form.

The Flyers will play with plenty of urgency on Wednesday, but will it be enough?

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals betting picks and predictions

Washington Capitals -1.5 (+170)

The Flyers have just not shown enough early this season to make them worthy of an underdog bet as they sit at 1-4-1. Granted, they have largely played teams that are expected to be contenders and Washington is no exception, but against those good teams, Philadelphia has not been able to get it done.

The Capitals, meanwhile, have also played tough teams to start the season. Conversely to the Flyers, the Capitals have four wins and have shown very strong form.

After an opening-night loss to the New Jersey Devils, the Capitals have rattled off four consecutive wins against the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Devils, and Flyers. Washington outscored its opponents 17-10 during that span.

It is tough to beat a team twice in two nights, but there has not been an indication from either team that bettors should fade the respective trends. 

Tom Wilson over 0.5 points (-115)

A significant reason for Washington’s hot start has been the play of Tom Wilson. In five games played, Wilson has 5 goals and 6 points in 19:16 of average ice time per game.

The winger has improved year over year in his 12-year NHL career, and this looks to be the best version of him yet.

Wilson is a stalwart on Washington’s second line and top power play, and he's a key player on a good team in a favorable matchup tonight. Of Capitals forwards, Wilson logs the most ice-time per game which reflects the trust and reliance that head coach Spencer Carbery places in him. 

In Washington’s current four-game winning streak, the team has tallied an average of over four goals per game. If they can hold on to their recent standards, look for Wilson to be a contributor yet again. 

Alexander Ovechkin anytime goalscorer (+130)

As mentioned, Washington has logged 4+ goals per game in three of its last four games, which is why they're ranked fifth in the NHL in goals scored per game. To supplement that strength, the Flyers have allowed an average of 4.17 goals per game which is the third-worst tally in the league so far.

The goalscoring strength of the Capitals and goal prevention weakness of the Flyers sets up well for Alex Ovechkin to score tonight.

It is no secret that Ovechkin is chasing history this season as there is a realistic possibility that he catches Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. Every game, there will be an effort by Ovechkin and his teammates to get closer to that record with a goal.

Tonight’s matchup against a weaker team with weak goal prevention will lend opportunities for Ovechkin to get on the scoreboard. His +130 odds are the shortest among all players in Wednesday's game to find the net, yet that price still carries solid value. 

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Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals odds

Philadelphia Flyers	+125 ML
Washington Capitals	-145 ML
Puck Line	WAS Capitals -1.5
Total	O/U 6.0

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Travis Konecny (PHI Flyers)	+200
Owen Tippett (PHI Flyers)	+225
Matvei Michkov (PHI Flyers)	+225
Alexander Ovechkin (WAS Capitals)	+130
Dylan Strome (WAS Capitals)	+220
Tom Wilson (WAS Capitals)	+220

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.