Capitals vs Flames Prediction 1/23/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Capitals vs Flames prediction for this NHL game on Friday, January 23rd at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 24-21-6 this year after they lost to Vancouver by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Washington led 2-0 in the first period, but they allowed the next four goals and couldn’t recover for the loss. The Capitals out shot Vancouver by a total of 32-25, won 61.1% of the face-offs, and went 2-3 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Sourdif and Strome (2), while Thompson stopped 21 out of 25 shots, which was an .840 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Washington lost to the Avalanche by a score of 5-2 and the Panthers by a score of 5-2. The Capitals have lost four games in a row and they are currently sixth in the Metro standings with 54 points. Washington has scored 3.18 goals per game and they have allowed 2.88 goals against per game, while also going 17.0% on the power play and 78.0% on the penalty kill this season. Tom Wilson has led Washington with 22 goals and 21 assists, while Alex Ovechkin has added 20 goals and 23 assists. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Logan Thompson, who is 17-15-4 with a 2.43 goals against average and a .913 save percentage this year. 

Calgary Flames Betting Preview

The Calgary Flames are 21-24-5 this season after they lost to Pittsburgh by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Calgary cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second period, but they allowed two goals in the third to seal the loss. The Flames were out shot by a total of 25-19, won 56.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Calgary got their lone goal from Sharangovich, while Wolf stopped 21 out of 25 shots, which was an .840 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Calgary lost to the Devils by a score of 2-1, but did beat the Islanders by a score of 4-2 before that. The Flames have lost three of their last five games and they are currently seventh in the Pacific standings with 47 points. Calgary has scored 2.52 goals per game and they have allowed 2.94 goals against per game, while also going 14.8% on the power play and 83.1% on the penalty kill this season. Nazem Kadri has led Calgary with nine goals and 25 assists, while Mikael Backlund has added 12 goals and 19 assists. The projected starting goalie for Calgary is Devin Cooley, who is 6-4-3 with a 2.18 goals against average and a .922 save percentage this season. 

Why the Calgary Flames will win

• The Capitals have lost four of their last five games as road favorites.
• The Flames have won each of their last five night games at Scotiabank Saddledome against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Flames have covered the puck line in 14 of their last 16 games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games.
• The Capitals have lost the second period in four of their last five games when tied after the first period.

Why the Washington Capitals will win

• The Flames have lost nine of their last 10 games following a home loss.
• The Capitals have won five of their last six games at Scotiabank Saddledome.
• The Capitals have covered the puck line in nine of their last 10 games at Scotiabank Saddledome.
• The Flames have failed to cover the puck line in seven of their last eight games at Scotiabank Saddledome following a home loss.
• The Flames have lost the third period in five of their last six night games following a home loss.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Flames’ last six games as underdogs against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Eight of the Capitals’ last nine games as road favorites 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 Capitals’ last six games as road favorites.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Flames’ last four games as underdogs against opponents on a losing streak.

Calgary Flames Player Prop Facts

• Kevin Bahl has recorded at least one assist in each of the Flames’ last three home games.
• Blake Coleman has scored at least one goal in three of his last four home appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Tom Wilson has scored a goal in each of his last five Friday appearances.
• John Carlson has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Capitals’ last eight night games.

Capitals vs Flames Prediction 

Washington comes into this matchup trying to snap a four game losing streak, but they have allowed at least four goals in three straight games. The Capitals are 10-11-3 on the road this year, while the Flames are 13-8-3 at home. Calgary has dropped two in a row, but they have allowed two goals or fewer in three of their last four. The Flames are one of the lowest scoring teams in the NHL and with Washington struggling to score right now, I think we will see a lower scoring game. Take the under in this contest.

David Racey's Pick: Under 5.5