Blackhawks vs Capitals Prediction 1/3/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Blackhawks vs Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, January 3rd at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Chicago Blackhawks Betting Preview

The Chicago Blackhawks are 15-18-7 this season after they defeated Dallas by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Chicago had their lead cut from 4-1 to 4-3 in the third period, but they were able to barely escape with the win. The Blackhawks were out shot by a total of 25-21, won 46.5% of the face-offs, and went 2-4 on the power play in the game. Chicago got goals from Mikheyev (2), Teravainen, and Levshunov, while Knight stopped 22 out of 25 shots, which was an .880 save percentage.

Prior to that game, Chicago lost to the Islanders by a score of 3-2 and the Penguins by a score of 7-3. The Blackhawks have lost eight of their last ten games and they are currently second to last in the Central standings with 37 points. Chicago has scored 2.78 goals per game and they have allowed 3.18 goals against per game, while also going 21.1% on the power play and 83.7% on the penalty kill this season. Connor Bedard continues to deal with an injury, but is getting close to a return, while Tyler Bertuzzi has added 19 goals and 11 assists. The projected starting goalie for Chicago is Spencer Knight, who is 11-11-6 with a 2.63 goals against average and a .909 save percentage this season. 

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 21-15-5 this year after they lost to Ottawa by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Washington led 2-0 after the first period, but they allowed four of the last five goals in the game for the loss. The Capitals were out shot by a total of 32-29, won 50.9% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Protas, Strome, and Wilson, while Thompson stopped 28 out of 32 shots, which was an .875 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Washington defeated the Rangers by a score of 6-3, but lost to the Panthers by a score of 5-3 before that. The Capitals have lost five of their last seven games and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 47 points. Washington has scored 3.24 goals per game and they have allowed 2.78 goals against per game, while also going 16.0% on the power play and 76.7% on the penalty kill this season. Tom Wilson has led Washington with 22 goals and 20 assists, while Alex Ovechkin has added 15 goals and 19 assists. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Logan Thompson, who is 15-11-3 with a 2.39 goals against average and a .913 save percentage this year. 

Why the Washington Capitals will win

• The Blackhawks have lost 18 of their last 20 road games following a home win.
• The Capitals have won five of their last six games against the Blackhawks.
• The Capitals have covered the puck line in eight of their last nine games against the Blackhawks at Capital One Arena.
• The Blackhawks have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Blackhawks have lost the second period in each of their last four games as road underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents when trailing after the first period.

Why the Chicago Blackhawks will win

• The Capitals have lost each of their last four Saturday games as home favorites.
• The underdogs have won two of the Capitals’ last three games at Capital One Arena.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last three night games against Central Division opponents.
• The Blackhawks have covered the puck line in three of their last four games.
• The Capitals have lost the third period in four of their last five games.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Capitals’ last five games have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Four of the Blackhawks’ last five games as underdogs following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last seven night games.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blackhawks’ last four games.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Aliaksei Protas has scored a goal in each of the Capitals’ last four home games.
• Tom Wilson has recorded an assist in nine of his last 10 appearances with the Capitals as home favorites.

Chicago Blackhawks Player Prop Facts

• Connor Bedard has recorded at least one assist in nine of his last 12 appearances in road games.
• Shea Weber has scored a goal in each of his last three appearances at Capital One Arena.

Blackhawks vs Capitals Prediction 

Chicago comes into this matchup after picking up an impressive win over Dallas, but they have really struggled since Bedard was injured. The Blackhawks are 7-10-3 on the road this year, while the Capitals are 12-7-2 at home. Washington has alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they have allowed 22 goals during that span. Washington has gone over 5.5 goals in five straight, while Chicago has gone over 5.5 goals in three of their last four. Take the over in this one.

David Racey's Pick: Over 5.5