Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings Prediction & Picks - NHL

Prediction published on 12/21/25, 9:04 AM  by Edgar Jibran | Modified on 12/21/25 at 3:55 PM in NHL Picks

Next Sunday will bring an infrequent situation in the NHL, as the Washington Capitals and the Detroit Red Wings will play for the second day in a row. With the above facts in mind, it would have made sense for the Red Wings to be made favorites by the bookies’ odds; however, it’s a fact that the Capitals have maintained a more regular performance during the regular season in comparison to Detroit.

Furthermore, it must be noted that the Washington Capitals are the best defense in the Eastern Conference with 93 goals conceded, but their offense has clearly lost momentum after losing four of their last five games. That bad streak is related to the lack of offensive effectiveness, as they have scored more than three goals only in their 4-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings were able to win three of their last four games, victories in which they haven’t conceded more than two goals per game. Nevertheless, they are the second-worst defense in the Atlantic Division with 117 goals conceded, a concerning number that generates severe doubts about their real possibilities to compete for the Eastern Conference title.