Washington Capitals playoff chances
60% to make the playoffs.
The Capitals (6-4-0, 12 points) make the playoffs in 60% of 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season. They win the division 12% of the time and finish with about 98 points on average. A win over the Flyers on Wednesday, October 28 would put them at 66%; a loss, 51%.
The Capitals, 2026-27
Next game
Home to the Flyers, Wed, Oct 28. The model gives them 61% to win it. Win and their playoff chance is 66%; lose and it is 51%.
The rest of the East
Bruins 93%, Hurricanes 91%, Lightning 76%, Senators 67%, Rangers 63%, Maple Leafs 59%, Canadiens 52%, Devils 51%, Islanders 41%, Penguins 37%. Every team: NHL playoff odds.
Each club is rated by its goal margin this season against the schedule it played, adjusted for home ice and started from last season's rating, which counts for less as the season's games add up. The rest of the 84-game season is played 10,000 times, with each club's rating redrawn within its uncertainty every time; about one game in four goes past regulation and the loser takes a point. The field is the top three in each division and two wild cards per conference, ranked on points, then regulation wins, then wins, and every round is played out best of seven. A forecast from the scores, not the betting market.
Questions
What are the Capitals' chances of making the playoffs?
The Capitals (6-4-0, 12 points) make the playoffs in 60% of 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season. They win the division 12% of the time and finish with about 98 points on average. A win over the Flyers on Wednesday, October 28 would put them at 66%; a loss, 51%.
Can the Capitals win the Stanley Cup?
In 3% of simulations. They reach the Stanley Cup Final in 6% and win a playoff round in 30%.
How much does the Capitals' next game matter?
Win and their playoff chance is 66%; lose and it is 51%. The model gives them a 61% chance to win it.