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 Washington Capitals facing the Philadelphia Flyers.
NHL Predictions February 3rd Washington Capitals vs Philadelphia Flyers
Season Series 2025-26: First meeting (Washington: 4-0 in 2024-25)
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How to Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, Monumental Sports Network 2, ESPN+, SN+
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Capitals’ Storylines
Monday night was a big momentum boost for the Capitals in terms of the Stanley Cup Playoff race. A 4-1 win over the New York Islanders pulled the Capitals back to within two points of third place in the Metropolitan Division.
This is despite having their top two goalies available. Logan Thompson remains day-to-day, but is expected to return before the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Charlie Lindgren was placed on injured reserve following his shootout heroics on Thursday.
How are they doing it? The Capitals have balanced scoring throughout the lineup, with nine players in double-digits. While Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson lead the way in that department with 22 goals, Jakob Chychrun continues his excellent season. Chychrun has 19 goals and 43 points, including seven points in his last five games.
CHYCHY MAKES IT THREE UNANSWERED pic.twitter.com/aApURvkEBb
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 1, 2026
Flyers’ Storylines
The Flyers got a point against Los Angeles on Saturday, but were unable to get back into the win column with a 3-2 overtime loss. That marks 11 losses in the last 13 games in a season that is quickly slipping away.
Two games remain for the Flyers before the Olympic break, a pause in the schedule they desperately need. Perhaps moving into the month of February will help and leave a dismal month of January behind. Still, there is a lot of ground to make up if the Flyers are to snap their playoff drought.
The two leading scorers on the team were responsible for the two goals on Saturday. Trevor Zegras reached the 20-goal mark for the third time in his career. Travis Konecny stayed hot with his 22nd goal of the season. Konecny has 17 goals in the last 28 games, including five in the last three games.
Wasted no time.#PHIvsLAK | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/O3KavjWgh0
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 31, 2026
Prediction and Best Bets
Prediction: Capitals 4, Flyers 2
The Capitals have recently turned things around, winning four of their previous five games. They still have some ground to make up to be back in the playoff race, and facing an opponent like the Flyers may come at the perfect time. The Flyers should have an on-paper advantage as the Capitals navigate without both NHL goalies. But the Flyers’ struggles have been so present, it’s hard to see them coming out of this just yet. Give Washington the slight edge.
For best bets for the Capitals, take an Ovechkin anytime goal. It’s essentially become tradition for Ovechkin to get on the board against the Flyers. He has 52 goals against the Orange and Black in his career.
However, it is a great time for our disclaimer. Please check social media prior to puck drop, to see definitely who gets the nod, before setting your fantasy roster for the day.
For the Flyers, stick with Konecny for an anytime goal. Konecny has scored in three straight games, a total of five goals, and nearly added another on an overtime breakaway on Saturday.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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