Thursday’s NHL schedule includes a contest between the Washington Capitals and the Minnesota Wild at Capital One Arena, with the puck dropping at 7:00 PM ET. Whether you’re wanting to place a single bet or intend to put together a parlay, you’ll want to check out our picks and projections in the article below.

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Capitals vs. Wild Picks

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Total Pick

Pick OU: Over 5.5 (model projecting 6 goals)

• Washington and its opponent have combined to outscore Thursday’s over/under (5.5 goals) 21 times this season.
• In Minnesota’s 38 games this season, 18 have finished with more goals than Thursday’s over/under of 5.5.
• The Capitals score 3.65 goals per game, compared to the Wild’s average of 2.95, adding up to 1.1 more goals than this contest’s total of 5.5.
• These two teams give up a combined 5.3 goals per game, 0.2 less than this one’s over/under.

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Moneyline Pick

Capitals Moneyline: -148

• The Capitals are 12-5 this season when listed as a moneyline favorite.
• Washington is 8-4 (victorious in 66.7% of its games) when it has played with moneyline odds of -148 or shorter.
• Based on this matchup’s moneyline, the Capitals have an implied probability of 59.7% to win.

Wild Moneyline: +125

• In 13 games as the underdog on the moneyline, Minnesota has achieved the upset five times.
• The Wild have four wins in games when their moneyline odds are +125 or longer (in nine such games).
• Minnesota’s moneyline gives it an implied probability of 44.4% to win this contest.

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Score Prediction

Prediction:
Washington 4, Minnesota 2

Capitals Points Leaders

• One of Washington’s top offensive players this season is Dylan Strome, who has recorded 40 points in 37 games.
• Aliaksei Protas is another of Washington’s top contributors currently with 32 total points (16 goals and 16 assists) to his name.
• Connor McMichael has contributed 30 points for Washington in 37 games this season, scoring on 16.7% of his shots and recording 16 goals and 14 assists.
• In 19 games played this season, Logan Thompson (15-2-2) has allowed 44 goals.

Wild Points Leaders

• Kirill Kaprizov is a key offensive option for Minnesota, with 50 points this season. He has recorded 23 goals and 27 assists in 34 games.
• Minnesota’s Marco Rossi has racked up 32 total points (0.8 per game), with 14 goals and 18 assists.
• Minnesota’s Matthew Boldy has 31 points, courtesy of 13 goals (third on team) and 18 assists (second).
• Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson is 17-6-3 this season, amassing 713 saves and allowing 59 goals (2.3 goals against average) with a .924 save percentage (sixth-best in the league).

Capitals’ Schedule

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Wild’s Schedule

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Washington vs. Minnesota Game Info

• Date: Thursday, January 2, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• How to watch on TV: ESPN+
• Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
• Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
• Location: Washington D.C.
• Venue: Capital One Arena

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