Published Oct 7, 5:17am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Oct 7, 5:17am ET
Credit: AI Generated
Updated Oct 7, 5:17am ET
Two sides with vastly different expectations in 2025-26 will collide on the opening week of the new NHL season.
The Washington Capitals will be aiming to maintain their progression under Spencer Carbery after ending the previous campaign with the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins will be aiming for a better campaign this year after ending last season with a losing record for the first time since 2006-07.
|
|
|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | +147 |
| Boston Bruins | -167 |
| Total | Bruins | Capitals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wins | 215 | 88 | 105 |
| Total Goals | 1253 | 588 | 665 |
It was hard not to have been impressed by the Washington Capitals last season, but there is a sense that they missed out on a golden opportunity. The Capitals ended the campaign with the best record in the Eastern Conference, but their playoff journey ended in the second round after defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes.
However, positives can still be taken from their post-season, as their win in the opening round ensured a first playoff series win since 2018. The Capitals have been in strong form throughout pre-season, winning four of their five games.
It couldn't have been a more contrasting campaign for their opponents on opening night. The Boston Bruins finished with a losing record for the first time since 2007, and they also finished second-last in the Conference for the first time since 1997.
Boston made a reliable start to the previous season, but they failed to match their high standards throughout the campaign. Their record on the road would be a major concern ahead of this clash in Washington, as they went just 13-25-3 in 2024-25.
The Bruins and Capitals will have hugely different targets this season, with the hosts aiming for a deep run in the playoffs. Everything appears to suit their chances of making a strong effort this season, and they look like very good value to make a winning start to the campaign in front of their home fans.
|
Pick
Washington Capitals (-191)
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
