Philadelphia Flyers vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions for Wednesday October 28 2026

I’d have a hard time putting money on Philadelphia right now. The Flyers are having enough trouble scoring when everybody is rested, and now they’ve got to play Washington the night after hosting Columbus. That’s a tough spot for a team already missing some important offensive players. Washington isn’t perfect. The Capitals have had their own problems keeping the puck out of the net. But they’ve got a lot more scoring available, and they’ve had three days off. Sometimes the schedule tells you quite a bit about a hockey game.

The Flyers visit Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, October 28. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM ET on TNT, truTV and HBO Max. Philadelphia plays Columbus on Tuesday, so its record and goaltending situation will need updating before this one. I’m taking Washington on the moneyline, preferably at -180 or better, along with Under 6.5 goals. Both are target prices rather than confirmed sportsbook offers. The NHL season is in full swing so make sure you check out all of our free NHL picks.

Philadelphia Flyers Need More Than Good Goaltending

Philadelphia entered Tuesday at 3-6-3, with a 1-4-1 road record. That’s a pretty rough start, and the biggest problem hasn’t been difficult to find. The Flyers aren’t scoring enough. They’ve had nights where the goaltending has kept them around, but you can’t keep asking your goalie to win games 2-1. The back-to-back makes things worse. Philadelphia has to deal with Columbus first, then travel to Washington for a team that’s been sitting home waiting.

The Flyers are averaging about 1.7 goals and 22 shots per game entering Tuesday. Those are ugly offensive numbers. They’re also allowing nearly three goals a night, so it’s not as though the defense has been completely shutting teams down. Philadelphia’s power play hasn’t done enough to rescue the offense either. Washington gives up chances, and that offers the Flyers some hope, but you’ve still got to put the puck in the net. I don’t see Philadelphia suddenly becoming a four-goal team just because the Capitals have had some defensive lapses.

Matvei Michkov has been one of the few bright spots, while Trevor Zegras has been asked to create offense with a thinner lineup. The injuries explain part of the problem. Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett have been out, taking away two important scoring options. Cam York and Rasmus Ristolainen have also dealt with injuries on defense, and Nikita Grebenkin remains unavailable. Philadelphia has enough trouble generating shots without losing those players. I’d also want to know who starts in goal after Tuesday’s game. That could make a big difference.

Washington Capitals Have the Better Setup

Washington is 6-4-0 and 5-2 at home. The Capitals beat Buffalo 4-3 on Saturday after losing 5-2 to Los Angeles earlier in the week. That’s been Washington’s season so far. The offense can look terrific, but the defensive mistakes sometimes turn an ordinary game into a headache. Still, I like the way this matchup sets up. Washington has been home since Saturday, and Philadelphia is arriving after playing the night before.

The Capitals are scoring about 3.4 goals per game, roughly twice Philadelphia’s output. That’s a pretty big difference. Washington is putting more pucks on net, too, and has been dangerous when it gets the puck moving in the offensive zone. The defense hasn’t been great, allowing around three goals a night, but the Flyers don’t have the firepower to take advantage the way some other teams can. Washington should be able to spend more time attacking than defending, particularly if Philadelphia’s legs get heavy late.

Ryan Leonard has eight points through nine games, including four goals, and Alex Tuch has five goals in his first nine appearances. Dylan Strome has been setting people up, while Washington still has Alex Ovechkin as a threat whenever the puck gets into a shooting lane. The Capitals do have some injury problems. Logan Thompson is out with a lower-body injury, while Rasmus Sandin and Vincent Desharnais are sidelined on defense. That makes the starting goaltender worth checking. But even with those absences, Washington has more offensive talent available than Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Flyers vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions

Washington Capitals Moneyline -180 or Better

I’m taking Washington, although I wouldn’t chase the moneyline if the price gets ridiculous. The Capitals have been much better offensively, they’re 5-2 at home, and they’ve had three days to get ready. Philadelphia has struggled to score two goals most nights, and now the Flyers have to play on consecutive days with several important players missing. Washington’s goaltending situation is the one thing that gives me pause. If the Capitals get shaky play in net, Philadelphia could steal a close one. But I don’t think the Flyers have enough offense to make that the likely outcome. Washington should win this game.

Under 6.5 Goals

I’ll take Under 6.5 as well. Philadelphia is barely scoring, and the Flyers’ best chance is to keep this game close rather than trade chances with Washington. The Capitals could certainly put four or five on the board if Philadelphia is tired and takes penalties. That’s the danger. But I’m not counting on the Flyers contributing three goals to the total, especially with Konecny and Tippett unavailable. I can see Washington winning 4-1 or 3-2. Either one gets us home.

Final Picks: Washington Capitals Moneyline -180 or Better and Under 6.5 Goals

Preview prepared October 27, 2026.