Predators vs. Capitals prediction: Why Washington is favored to win Thursday's NHL matchup [2/5/2026]

The Washington Capitals will take on the Nashville Predators in NHL action at Capital One Arena on Thursday, beginning at 7:00 PM ET.

Based on the latest simulation results, Dimers' proven NHL model predicts the Capitals as the most likely winner of the Predators vs. Capitals game.

This article offers an expanded analysis of Thursday's matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.

Predators vs. Caps prediction: Who will win and cover?

Using trusted machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Thursday's NHL game between the Predators and Capitals 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our independent predictive model currently gives the Capitals a 59% chance of defeating the Predators.

According to our model, the Predators (+1.5) have a 63% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of 6.5 goals has a 53% chance of staying under.

Predators vs. Capitals odds

We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

Bet Type	Predators	Capitals
Puck Line	+1.5 (-172)	-1.5 (+145)
Moneyline	+145	-165
Total	o6.5 (-108)	u6.5 (-108)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Predators vs. Capitals picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

Bet Type	Pick	Bet Now
Puck Line	Predators +1.5	-172
Moneyline	Predators	+145
Total	Under 6.5	-108

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6.5 total goals.

Predators vs. Capitals player props

Who will score a goal in Predators vs. Capitals?

According to our model, Filip Forsberg is most likely to score an anytime goal in Predators vs. Capitals.

Our projections give Forsberg a 38.3% chance of scoring a goal at Capital One Arena, while the star is a 7.8% chance of registering the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Nashville Predators

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Filip Forsberg	38.3%
Steven Stamkos	34.8%
Jonathan Marchessault	25.4%
Ryan O'Reilly	24.5%
Roman Josi	24.5%

Washington Capitals

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Alex Ovechkin	33.6%
Dylan Strome	32.6%
Aliaksei Protas	32.6%
Tom Wilson	28.2%
Jakob Chychrun	24.6%

First goal scorer predictions

Nashville Predators

Player	First Goal Probability
Filip Forsberg	7.8%
Steven Stamkos	7.0%
Jonathan Marchessault	4.7%
Ryan O'Reilly	4.7%
Roman Josi	4.3%

Washington Capitals

Player	First Goal Probability
Alex Ovechkin	6.7%
Aliaksei Protas	6.4%
Dylan Strome	6.1%
Tom Wilson	5.2%
Jakob Chychrun	4.9%

Predators vs. Caps game-day updates and essential details

Thursday's matchup between the Capitals and Predators at Capital One Arena is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM ET.

• Who: Nashville Predators vs. Washington Capitals
• Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
• Venue: Capital One Arena

Conclusion

We predict the Capitals, with a 59% win probability, will likely beat the Predators on Thursday.

AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Predators vs. Capitals insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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