SportsLine's proven model has simulated Carolina vs. Alex Ovechkin and Washington in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs second round on Monday 10,000 times

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

Ovechkin demonstrated against the Canadiens that he can turn back the clock during the playoffs, and the extra rest from having five days off since the Capitals closed out that series with a 4-1 Game 5 win Wednesday should be helpful for him to recharge his battery for the next round and, he hopes, beyond.