Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals 20 September 2026 Prediction

  Prediction by   Gevorg Danielyan     September 19, 2026 

NHL preseason action is underway, with the regular season less than two weeks away. Washington, one of the league’s most active teams on the trade market, will visit Boston. Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals will look to end their recent losing streak in this matchup.

Boston Made Targeted Roster Additions

After a 4-2 first-round playoff loss to Buffalo last season, Boston made significant changes without committing to a full rebuild. The Bruins added depth on offense and defense. JJ Peterka joined the team after recording 47 points (25 goals, 22 assists) for Utah, while Brian Halonen arrived from the New Jersey organization.

Boston parted ways with Georgii Merkulov, who posted 61 points (24 goals, 37 assists) in the AHL last season. Goaltender Jiri Patera will also join the Bruins after posting a .910 save percentage for Abbotsford.

Expectations Are High for Washington

The biggest development of the offseason was Ovechkin signing a one-year, $4.25 million contract. The upcoming campaign could be the final NHL season for the league’s all-time leading goal scorer. Washington strengthened its roster in an effort to give its captain another chance to win the Stanley Cup.

The Capitals added Jordan Kyrou, who recorded 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) for St. Louis last season, and Alex Tuch, who finished with 66 points (33 goals, 33 assists) for Buffalo. In September, Washington also signed Ryan Leonard to an eight-year, $10.5 million contract. The American forward had 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in his rookie season.

Correct Score Prediction: 3-1

Washington Capitals vs Boston Bruins was played three times during the previous regular season, with Boston winning all three games. Three of the teams’ last four meetings ended 3-1. Washington’s most recent win over Boston came in the preseason a year earlier, when the Capitals prevailed 5-2.

Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals Prediction: Washington Capitals to Win

Main prediction: Washington had one of the NHL’s strongest offseasons. The Capitals upgraded their offense and are also expected to give Cole Hutson a role on defense. Boston, meanwhile, made fewer major changes. Washington has won two of its last three meetings with the Bruins in Massachusetts, so the pick is Washington Capitals to win.

Totals prediction: With the preseason just getting underway, neither team is likely to play at full speed. Both sides are still working their way into game shape and could take a more cautious approach defensively. The teams have also combined for no more than five regulation goals in each of their last four meetings. The secondary pick is under 5.5 goals.