Capitals vs Avalanche Prediction 1/19/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Capitals vs Avalanche prediction for this NHL game on Monday, January 19th at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 24-19-6 this season after they lost to Florida by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Washington led 2-1 in the second period, but they allowed the last four goals for the disappointing loss. The Capitals were out shot by a total of 31-24, won 58.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Washington got both of their goals from Chychrun, while Thompson stopped 26 out of 29 shots, which was an .897 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Washington lost to the Sharks by a score of 3-2, but did beat the Canadiens by a score of 3-2 before that. The Capitals have lost three of their last four games and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 54 points. Washington has scored 3.20 goals per game and they have allowed 2.82 goals against per game, while also going 15.7% on the power play and 77.4% on the penalty kill this season. Tom Wilson has led Washington with 22 goals and 20 assists, while Alex Ovechkin has added 20 goals and 21 assists. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Logan Thompson, who is 17-14-4 with a 2.38 goals against average and a .914 save percentage this season. 

Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview

The Colorado Avalanche are 33-5-8 this year after they lost to Nashville by a score of 7-3 in their last game. Colorado cut the deficit to 4-3 in the third period, but they allowed the last three goals for the lopsided loss. The Avalanche out shot Nashville by a total of 42-30, won 35.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Colorado got goals from Necas and Nelson (2), while Blackwood stopped 23 out of 28 shots, which was an .821 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Colorado lost to the Maple Leafs by a score of 4-3, but did beat the Blue Jackets by a score of 4-0 before that. The Avalanche have lost four of their last six games and they are currently first in the Central standings with 74 points. Colorado has scored 4.00 goals per game and they have allowed 2.30 goals against per game, while also going 16.7% on the power play and 85.2% on the penalty kill this season. Nathan MacKinnon has led Colorado with 36 goals and 46 assists, while Martin Necas has added 22 goals and 36 assists. The projected starting goalie for Colorado is Scott Wedgewood, who is 19-3-4 with a 2.19 goals against average and a .917 save percentage this year. 

Why the Colorado Avalanche will win

• The Avalanche have won 14 of their last 15 day games at Ball Arena following a loss.
• The Capitals have lost five of their last six games against Central Division opponents.
• The Avalanche have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games as home favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in six of their last seven games against Central Division opponents.
• The Capitals have lost the second period in five of their last six games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Avalanche’s last six day games against opponents on a losing streak have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• Eleven of the Capitals’ last 12 road games against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the Avalanche’s last seven games at Ball Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last eight games following a home loss.

Colorado Avalanche Player Prop Facts

• Brock Nelson has scored at least one goal in five of the Avalanche’s last six games at Ball Arena.
• Cale Makar has recorded at least one assist in 13 of the Avalanche’s last 14 games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Alex Ovechkin has scored a goal in each of the Capitals’ last three games against Central Division opponents.
• John Carlson has recorded at least one assist in five of his last six road appearances against the Avalanche.

Capitals vs Avalanche Prediction 

Washington comes into this matchup after losing three of their last four games and they have scored two regulation goals or fewer in four straight. The Capitals are 10-9-3 on the road this year, while the Avalanche are 19-1-3 at home. Colorado has lost four of their last five games and they have allowed 11 goals in their last two. The Avalanche have been great for most of the season, but they have shown some regression in recent games. I would love to fade Colorado once again, but Washington hasn’t been any better in their last few games. Take Colorado -1.5 here.

David Racey's Pick: Avalanche -1.5