Venue Location
Capital One Arena (capacity ~18,573 for hockey), Washington, D.C. Home of the Capitals since 1997, this arena offers a fast, neutral ice surface that often leads to competitive, high-event Metropolitan Division matchups. Strong home-ice advantage for Washington, with a passionate crowd that amplifies energy during playoff pushes. Expect a loud building as the Caps look to solidify their position in the Metro standings.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
- TV: NBCSP (Philadelphia region), MNMT (Washington region)
- Streaming: ESPN+ nationally
- Puck drop at 7:00 PM ET sharp; doors/gates typically open ~6:00 PM.
Injury Report
Philadelphia Flyers
- Samuel Ersson (G): Day-to-Day (lower body) – questionable for tonight; missed recent games but potential return post-Olympic break.
- Ty Murchison (D): Out (long-term, expected return Sep 15).
- Rodrigo Abols (C): Out (ankle, IR, expected return Mar 24).
- Other notes: No major new injuries; Flyers otherwise near full strength with depth forwards available.
Washington Capitals
- John Carlson (D): Day-To-Day (lower body) – questionable; practiced recently but status uncertain.
- Connor McMichael (C): Out (undisclosed) – missed prior games but progressing; unlikely tonight.
- Other notes: No major additional injuries listed; Capitals at or near full strength with key pieces like Ovechkin, Chychrun, and top lines expected.
Recent Team Forms
Flyers (mixed post-break; approx. 4-4-2 in last 10, ~3.0 GF/g, ~3.2 GA/g)
- Coming off a 1-2 OT loss to Ottawa (Feb 5) and prior 4-2 win over Washington (Feb 3). Strong defensive structure under coach Rick Tocchet but inconsistent finishing. Recent games show resilience but goaltending variability (Ersson questionable). Last 5: L-OT (OTT), W (WSH Feb 3), mixed prior results.
Capitals (solid; approx. 6-3-1 in last 10, ~3.2 GF/g, ~2.5 GA/g)
- Recent form strong: 4-2 win over Nashville (Feb 5), prior 4-1 win over Islanders (Feb 2). Jakob Chychrun hot (2-goal game recently), Ovechkin chasing milestones, and goaltending stable (.897 SV% team). Last 5: W (NSH), W (NYI), strong defensive play with timely scoring.
Series History (2025-26 Season)
Flyers lead season series 1-0 (with one prior game).
- February 3, 2026 @ Philadelphia: Flyers 4-2 Capitals (Drysdale late PPG winner; Flyers snapped skid).
- All-time: Competitive Metro rivalry; Capitals have historical edge but Flyers won most recent meeting. Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in last 7 vs. Washington overall (trend to watch).
Key Player Matchups
- Travis Konecny / Owen Tippett / Matvei Michkov (PHI top line) vs. Capitals’ shutdown pair (Carlson / Chychrun if healthy): Konecny’s speed and Michkov’s skill test Washington’s defense.
- Alex Ovechkin / Dylan Strome / Pierre-Luc Dubois (WSH top line) vs. Flyers’ top D (Sanheim / York): Ovechkin’s shot volume and power-play threat key; Flyers must limit time/space.
- Jakob Chychrun (WSH D): Hot streak (recent 2-goal game); physical presence vs. Flyers’ forecheck.
- Goaltending: Flyers (Ersson questionable; .877 team SV%) vs. Capitals tandem (~.897 SV%, 2.92 GAA) – edge to Washington if Ersson sits.
Betting Trends & Insights
- Capitals are strong at home (16-10-3) and as moderate favorites; 4-2 SU in recent home games.
- Flyers road struggles (mixed) but covered +1.5 in many recent losses; 1-6 SU last 7 vs. Washington.
- Total: OVER in 9 of Flyers’ last 10 road games; but recent Caps games trend Under (defensive structure).
Game Odds
Philadelphia Flyers 6.5
Washington Capitals – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 24, 2026
