Capitals vs Senators Prediction 1/1/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Capitals vs Senators prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, January 1st at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 21-14-5 this season after they defeated the Rangers by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Washington had their lead cut to 3-2 late in the second period, but they scored three times in the third to seal the win. The Capitals out shot New York by a total of 27-25, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Beauviller, Protas, Sourdif (2), and Wilson (2), while Lindgren stopped 22 out of 25 shots, which was an .880 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Washington lost to the Panthers by a score of 5-3, but did beat the Devils by a score of 4-3 before that. The Capitals have won two of their last three games and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 47 points. Washington has scored 3.18 goals per game and they have allowed 2.74 goals against per game, while also going 15.2% on the power play and 76.6% on the penalty kill this season. Tom Wilson has led Washington with 21 goals and 19 assists, while Alex Ovechkin has added 15 goals and 19 assists. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Logan Thompson, who is 15-10-3 with a 2.33 goals against average and a .915 save percentage this season. 

Ottawa Senators Betting Preview

The Ottawa Senators are 18-15-5 this year after they lost to Columbus by a score of 4-1 in their last game. Ottawa cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second period, but allowed two goals in the third to seal the loss. The Senators out shot Columbus by a total of 28-22, won 47.4% of the face-offs, and went 0-4 on the power play in the game. Ottawa got their lone goal from Sanderson, while Merilainen stopped 18 out of 22 shots, which was an .818 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Ottawa lost to the Maple Leafs by a score of 7-5 and the Sabres by a score of 3-2. The Senators have lost three games in a row and they are currently last in the Atlantic standings with 41 points. Ottawa has scored 3.21 goals per game and they have allowed 3.26 goals against per game, while also going 25.0% on the power play and 71.4% on the penalty kill this season. Tim Stutzle has led Ottawa with 19 goals and 22 assists, while Drake Batherson has added 15 goals and 22 assists. The projected starting goalie for Ottawa is Leevi Merilainen, who is 4-7-0 with a 3.51 goals against average and an .869 save percentage this year. 

Why the Ottawa Senators will win

• The Senators have won eight of their last nine day games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Capitals have lost each of their last four day games against Atlantic Division opponents.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Senators.
• The Senators have covered the puck line in 10 of their last 13 day games at Canadian Tire Centre following a home loss.
• The favorites have won the second period in four of the last five games between the Capitals and Senators at Canadian Tire Centre.

Why the Washington Capitals will win

• The Senators have lost each of their last three games as favorites.
• The Capitals have won each of their last five day games against opponents on a losing streak.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the last six games between the Capitals and Senators.
• The Senators have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last four day games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Senators have lost the second period in 10 of their last 12 games as favorites following a home loss.

Total Goals Facts

• Seven of the Capitals’ last eight games against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Each of the Senators’ last four games against the Capitals following a loss have gone UNDER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 18 of the Capitals’ last 19 games following a win.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Senators’ last eight games as favorites.

Ottawa Senators Player Prop Facts

• Tim Stutzle has scored a goal in four of the Senators’ last five games.
• David Perron has recorded at least one assist in six of his last seven home appearances against the Capitals.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Aliaksei Protas has scored a goal in three of the Capitals’ last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• Aliaksei Protas has recorded at least one assist in each of the Capitals’ last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.

Capitals vs Senators Prediction 

Ottawa comes into this contest looking to snap a three game losing streak, but they have allowed 14 goals during that span. The Senators are 8-7-3 at home this year, while the Capitals are 9-7-3 on the road. Washington has played a little better in their last three games, but they have struggled over the last two weeks and they are on a back to back. Washington has gone over 5.5 goals in four straight, while Ottawa has gone over 5.5 goals in three of their last five. Take the over here.

David Racey's Pick: Over 5.5