Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals Picks and Prediction for Saturday November 7, 2026

The Florida Panthers will be on the road Saturday afternoon for a matchup against the Washington Capitals inside Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The game is scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM ET, with coverage available on ESPN+. Florida comes into Saturday with a 9-5-2 record this season, having won four of its last five games following a two-goal home victory against Chicago last time out. The Washington Capitals remain home Saturday with an 8-6 record this season, riding a two-game losing streak following a one-goal loss to Dallas in their last outing. Stay in the action with our NHL Picks.

Florida goes for 2 in a row

The Florida Panthers offense is averaging 3.25 goals on 28.8 shots per game this season, and they have scored five goals in each of their last three wins. Defensively, Florida has held its own, allowing 2.94 goals on 24.2 shots per game while giving up just eight total goals across its last four victories. Matthew Tkachuk leads Florida with 22 points and a team-high 18 assists. Seth Jones is second on the roster with 19 points, while Brady Tkachuk has added 17 points this season. Sam Reinhart ranks fourth on the team with 16 points and is one of two players on the roster with nine goals scored.

Jacob Markstrom did just enough between the pipes for Florida in its last outing, allowing three goals on 20 shots to post a .850 save percentage in the victory. Sandis Vilmanis led the Florida offense with two goals and two assists in just over 13.5 minutes of ice time. Sam Reinhart contributed one goal and two assists on three shots, while Carter Verhaeghe added one goal and one assist. Seth Jones also chipped in with one goal on four shots.

Key Injury Report for Florida:

• Brad Marchand (IR) - Nov 21
• Aleksander Barkov (IR-LT) - Nov 27
• Jonah Gadjovich (IR-LT) - NOv 28

Washington tries to end the skid

The Washington Capitals offense is averaging 3.5 goals on 27.6 shots per game this season. Defensively, Washington has struggled, allowing 3.43 goals on 27.6 shots per game while giving up 11 total goals during its current two-game losing streak. Jordan Kyrou leads the Washington offense with 14 points this season. Dylan Strome has also recorded 14 points and leads the team with 11 assists. Alex Tuch is third on the roster with 12 points and boasts a team-high 10 goals scored.

Logan Thompson struggled immensely between the pipes for Washington in its last outing, allowing four goals on 11 shots to post a .636 save percentage. Charlie Lindgren didn't fare much better, giving up two goals on 11 shots to finish with a .818 save percentage. Jordan Kyrou led the Washington offense with one goal and two assists, while Ryan Leonard and Jakob Chychrun both chipped in with one goal and one assist each.

Key Injury Report for Washington:

• Vincent Desharnais (IR) - Dec 5
• Rasmus Sandin (IR-LT) - Dec 26
• Patrick Thomas (IR-NR) - Nov 14

Florida Panthers vs Washington Capitals Picks and Prediction

Pick: Florida Panthers

Florida has the experience and defensive structure necessary to find success against Washington in this matchup. The Panthers have plenty of offensive talent throughout their lineup and should be able to generate scoring opportunities by establishing pressure in the offensive zone. Washington has enough firepower to challenge Florida, but the Panthers have the physicality and depth necessary to disrupt the Capitals' offensive rhythm. Florida should also have opportunities to capitalize on Washington turnovers and create dangerous chances in transition. Look for the Panthers to rely on their experience and ability to control possession to secure the road victory.

Total Pick: Under

Both teams have enough offensive weapons to produce goals, but this matchup could turn into a physical defensive battle. Florida has the defensive structure necessary to limit Washington's scoring opportunities, while the Capitals should look to slow the Panthers down by controlling possession and limiting transition chances. Both teams understand the importance of protecting the middle of the ice, which could force more shots from difficult angles. Expect a competitive matchup with long stretches of defensive hockey and limited high-quality opportunities. Look for the defenses to have success in a game that finishes under the total.

Final Picks: Florida Panthers and Under