Capitals vs. Red Wings prediction: Tight battle projected in updated analysis for Sunday's NHL matchup [12/21/2025]

NHL action continues on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET as the Washington Capitals lock horns with the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena.

Based on updated simulation results, Dimers' advanced NHL model gives an equal chance for both both teams to win the Capitals-Red Wings matchup.

This article offers further insights into Sunday's Capitals vs. Red Wings matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.

Caps vs. Red Wings prediction: Who will win and cover?

Using innovative machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the result of Sunday's NHL game between the Capitals and Red Wings 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our famous predictive model can't split the two teams, giving both the Capitals and Red Wings a 50% chance of winning the game.

According to our model, the Capitals (+1.5) have a 71% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6.5-goal over/under has a 55% chance of staying under.

Capitals vs. Red Wings odds

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

Bet Type	Capitals	Red Wings
Puck Line	+1.5 (-250)	-1.5 (+220)
Moneyline	-105	-113
Total	o6.5 (+110)	u6.5 (-130)

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

Capitals vs. Red Wings picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best current 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	Capitals +1.5	-250
Moneyline	Capitals	-105
Total	Under 6.5	-130

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Capitals +1.5 at the spread.

Capitals vs. Red Wings player props

Who will score a goal in Capitals vs. Red Wings?

According to our model, Alex DeBrincat is most likely to score an anytime goal in Capitals vs. Red Wings.

Our projections give DeBrincat a 39.5% chance of scoring a goal at Little Caesars Arena, while the star is an 8.2% chance of registering the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Washington Capitals

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Alex Ovechkin	34.1%
Tom Wilson	30.2%
Aliaksei Protas	28.4%
Dylan Strome	26.4%
Connor McMichael	23.9%

Detroit Red Wings

Player	Anytime Goal Probability
Alex DeBrincat	39.5%
Dylan Larkin	32.1%
Lucas Raymond	30.1%
James van Riemsdyk	19.7%
Emmitt Finnie	16.9%

First goal scorer predictions

Washington Capitals

Player	First Goal Probability
Alex Ovechkin	7.2%
Tom Wilson	5.8%
Aliaksei Protas	5.4%
Dylan Strome	5.0%
Connor McMichael	4.4%

Detroit Red Wings

Player	First Goal Probability
Alex DeBrincat	8.2%
Dylan Larkin	6.7%
Lucas Raymond	6.0%
James van Riemsdyk	3.8%
Marco Kasper	2.8%

Caps vs. Red Wings game-day updates and essential details

Sunday's matchup between the Red Wings and Capitals at Little Caesars Arena is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM ET.

• Who: Washington Capitals vs. Detroit Red Wings
• Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM ET/10:00AM PT
• Venue: Little Caesars Arena

Conclusion

We predict a close game between the Capitals and Red Wings on Sunday, with each team having a 50% chance of winning.

AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Capitals vs. Red Wings 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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