Capitals Face Red Wings as Ovechkin Eyes Milestone Goal

Washington, D.C. — The Washington Capitals host the Detroit Red Wings at Capital One Arena on March 7, 2025, in a critical matchup as both teams vie for playoff positioning. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on MNMT and 106.7 THE FAN.

Fresh off a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the New York Rangers, the Capitals (40-14-8) are looking to continue their momentum against the struggling Red Wings (30-26-6). This game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this month, with the Wings returning to D.C. on March 18.

Captain Alex Ovechkin is nearing a significant career milestone, needing just one point to reach 1,600 and sitting only nine goals shy of Wayne Gretzky‘s all-time record of 894 goals. Ovechkin’s 32nd goal of the season came in the third period against the Rangers, tying the game and energizing his teammates. “Whenever he scores, obviously everybody in the hockey world is pretty excited right now,” said forward Tom Wilson.

Head coach Spencer Carbery praised the team’s recent performance, particularly the penalty kill, which was flawless in the overtime win. “To have that poise in that moment… that’s a big, big play,” Carbery remarked on Wilson’s overtime goal, assisted by Dylan Strome.

The Capitals have demonstrated resilience this season, achieving their 40th win in just 62 games, remarkably matching last season’s total with a significantly improved record. Washington has been dominant at home, playing seven of their last eight games on home ice before heading out for a week-long California road trip.

On the flip side, the Red Wings are facing pressure as they aim to snap a four-game losing streak. They fell 4-2 to the Utah Hockey Club in their last contest. “We’ve lost not playing well and we’ve lost playing well,” said captain Dylan Larkin. “We’ve got a chance [on Friday] night to right the ship and get that win.”

The Capitals and Red Wings previously met on December 29, with Detroit winning 4-2. The stakes are high for both teams as the playoffs approach, making this match a crucial moment in their respective seasons.

In roster updates, left wing Jakub Vrana was claimed by the Nashville Predators after being placed on waivers. Meanwhile, defenseman Alex Alexeyev has been recalled from the AHL and will likely see action in the upcoming games for Washington.

As anticipation builds for the game, Capitals fans are eager to see if Ovechkin can secure his milestone and help the team extend its winning streak against a divisional rival.