Welcome to another NHL Predictions. Each day, here at Last Word On Hockey, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for NHL games. For this edition, we take a look at the Philadelphia Flyers facing off against the Washington Capitals.
NHL Predictions February 25th Philadelphia Flyers vs Washington Capitals
Season Series 2025-26: Philadelphia 1-0-0, Washington 0-1-0
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, Monumental Sports Network, ESPN+, SN+
Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Flyers’ Storylines
The Flyers weren’t able to continue momentum from a win over the Capitals on February 3rd. They followed that up by suffering an overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on February 5th to go into the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The Flyers are at an interesting crossroads as the schedule resumes.
There are less than two weeks until the 2025-26 NHL Trade Deadline on March 6th, and the Flyers are eight points out of a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. It’s a mighty mountain to climb, and it would require a fast start in returning from the break to potentially change course.
At the Olympics, Travis Sanheim had a strong showing, rising on Team Canada’s depth chart throughout the tournament. Rasmus Ristolainen also played well for Team Finland, earning a Bronze Medal. Both will be looking to carry over the momentum from having played in such a high-intensity tournament.
Bringing some medals and a whole lot of memories back to Philly.
Congratulations to our Olympians! 🏅👏 pic.twitter.com/FRHnQLgfRv
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 23, 2026
Capitals’ Storylines
Meanwhile, the Capitals went into the Olympic break with wins in four of their final five games. The one loss was to Philadelphia. So, they could use that as extra motivation as the race tightens up.
Washington is in a much better position among the teams outside looking in on the playoff race. They are four points out of a playoff spot as play resumes, but also only have 23 games remaining to make up the ground.
The Capitals have three Olympians returning as well. Tom Wilson and Logan Thompson return as silver medalists with Team Canada. Martin Fehervary had a strong showing with upstart Team Slovakia, which lost to Team Finland for bronze.
LT and Willy are bringing home silver#MilanoCortina2026#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/Ub5CC11b6S
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 22, 2026
Prediction and Best Bets
Prediction: Capitals 4, Flyers 3
Both teams will certainly have to shake off the cobwebs of not having played in three weeks. The Flyers certainly have to play with urgency, and the Capitals have to feel they need to claim points against anybody below them in the standings to make a playoff push. We like the Capitals to have the edge in this one.
For best bets for the Flyers, take a Matvei Michkov anytime goal. Michkov was set to use the Olympic break as a chance to reset and improve his physical condition, and he should be looking to make an early statement. For the Capitals, take Olympian Tom Wilson to score a goal. Wilson leads the team with 23 goals and 49 points this season.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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