Minnesota Wild vs. Washington Capitals, Picks and Predictions, Friday, October 17, 2025
Use Code SSWC The Wild are traveling to Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. for their matchup against the Capitals; keep reading for our Wild versus Capitals prediction. Minnesota is second to last in the Central Division with a record of 2-2-0. Washington is fourth in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 3-1-0. The Capitals had a record of 0-1-1 versus the Wild in 2024-25. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT. If you’re looking to cross-check the books and put some cash in your pocket, check out our free NHL picks!
Wild Having Issues On Special Teams
Minnesota is traveling to face the Capitals after their loss on Tuesday against the Stars, with a final score of 5-2. This would be the first loss of the season on the road for the Wild as they continue a five-game road trip. Minnesota will look for a bounce back after a tough loss on Tuesday.
Last season, the Wild’s largest issue was their penalty kill ranking 30th overall in penalty kill percentage at 72.4%. This season has not been much better as the Wild sit 29th in penalty kill percentage at 60.0%. This has led to the Wild struggling to allow goals despite Minnesota thriving in stopping shots. The Wild are tenth in shots allowed, allowing an average of 29.25 shots per game, but sits 25th in save percentage at .872. The Wild are putting too much stress on their goaltending and will need to focus on their special teams if they wish to help their netminders.
We will likely see goaltender Filip Gustavsson get the start in net for the Wild on Friday.
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Filip Gustavsson:
- was 31-19-6 in 58 games with a goals against average of 2.56 and a save percentage of .914 in 2024-25.
- is 3-1-0 in 4 games with a goals against average of 2.72 and a save percentage of .912 versus the Capitals in his career.
Injuries:
- Sturm C Out - Back
- Zuccarello RW Out - Lower-body
Capitals Continue Win Streak
Washington is coming off another win on Tuesday versus the Lightning with a final score of 3-2. This is the third win in a row for the Capitals as they continue a three-game win streak. Washington is currently on a four-game home stand and will look to continue their recent success.
The Capitals are thriving on defense this season, ranking third in save percentage at .938 and leading the league in goals allowed. Washington has struggled to produce goals this season, ranking 30th in scoring due to their poor shooting percentage at 7.9% (28th). If the Capitals are capable of continuing their success on defense, they may be able to retain the top of the Metropolitan.
Starting in net for the Capitals will likely be Logan Thompson on Friday.
Logan Thompson:
- had a record of 31-6-6 in 43 games with a goals against average of 2.49 and a save percentage of .910 in 2024-25.
- has a record of 3-1-0 in 5 games with a goals against average of 1.57 and a save percentage of .950 versus the Wild in his career.
Injuries:
- Dubois LW Day To Day - Lower-body
- McIlrath D Day To Day - Lower Body
Wild versus Capitals Picks and Predictions
Money Line Pick for Wild versus Capitals
- Capitals Money Line (-130) (4 units)
The Capitals had a record of 18-5-6 as favorites at home in 2024-25. Logan Thompson is 3-1-0 in 5 games with a goals against average of 1.57 and a save percentage of .950 versus the Wild in his career. The Wild’s largest weakness this season has been their goaltending, and while the Capitals are not known for their offense, I do not have much faith in the Wild to generate goals against Logan Thompson, who has thrived in recent games. The Capitals are thriving on defense, and it does not look like the Wild will be able to generate the few goals needed to keep up with Washington.
Over/Under Pick for Wild versus Capitals
- Under 5.5 (+106) (5 units)
The Capitals have an over/under record of 1-3 this season. Minnesota is not going to be able to generate much offense against the Capitals with Logan Thompson in net. This will leave most of the score to be dependent on the Capitals. However, the Wild are mostly weak on special teams, something the Capitals are not strong in themselves. Without reliable scoring on either side, I have to take the under.
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