Ducks vs Capitals Prediction 1/5/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Ducks vs Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Monday, January 5th at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Anaheim Ducks Betting Preview

The Anaheim Ducks are 21-17-3 this season after they lost to Minnesota by a score of 5-2 in their last game. Anaheim cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second period, but they allowed the next three goals for the loss. The Ducks were out shot by a total of 34-28, won 52.7% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Anaheim got goals from Sennecke and Terry, while Dostal stopped 29 out of 34 shots, which was an .853 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Anaheim lost to the Lightning by a score of 4-3 and the Sharks by a score of 5-4. The Ducks have lost five games in a row and they are currently third in the Pacific standings with 45 points. Anaheim has scored 3.29 goals per game and they have allowed 3.56 goals against per game, while also going 16.9% on the power play and 75.6% on the penalty kill this season. Leo Carlsson has led Anaheim with 17 goals and 25 assists, while Troy Terry has added 13 goals and 26 assists. The projected starting goalie for Anaheim is Lukas Dostal, who is 13-10-2 with a 3.22 goals against average and an .887 save percentage this season. 

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 21-15-6 this year after they lost to Chicago in a shootout by a score of 3-2 in their last game. Washington tied the game at one in the first period and at two in the third, but ended up losing in the shootout. The Capitals out shot Chicago by a total of 34-33, won 51.0% of the face-offs, and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Leonard and Strome, while Thompson stopped 31 out of 33 shots, which was a .939 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Washington lost to the Senators by a score of 4-3, but did beat the Rangers by a score of 6-3 before that. The Capitals have lost six of their last eight games and they are currently fifth in the Metro standings with 48 points. Washington has scored 3.21 goals per game and they have allowed 2.76 goals against per game, while also going 15.8% on the power play and 76.3% 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 15-11-4 with a 2.37 goals against average and a .915 save percentage this year. 

Why the Washington Capitals will win

• The Capitals have won each of their last nine games at Capital One Arena after coming off a shootout.
• The Ducks have lost seven of their last eight games.
• The Ducks have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five night games following a loss.
• The Capitals have covered the puck line in four of their last five games against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Ducks have lost the first period in each of their last five night games at Capital One Arena.

Why the Anaheim Ducks will win

• The Capitals have lost three of their last four games as home favorites.
• The road team has won four of the Ducks’ last five games.
• The Capitals have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five night games after coming off overtime.
• The Ducks have covered the puck line in 11 of their last 12 Monday road games.
• The Capitals have lost the second period in each of their last three games as home favorites against Pacific Division opponents when tied after the first period.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the Ducks’ last seven games as road underdogs against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Each of the Capitals’ last six night games against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last eight home games against opponents on a losing streak.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Ducks’ last seven games following a loss.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Aliaksei Protas has scored a goal in each of his last four appearances in home games.
• Nic Dowd has recorded an assist in each of his last four home appearances against the Ducks.

Anaheim Ducks Player Prop Facts

• Chris Kreider has scored a goal in three of his last four road appearances against the Capitals.
• Ryan Poehling has recorded at least one assist in four of the Ducks’ last five games against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Ducks vs Capitals Prediction 

Anaheim comes into this matchup looking to snap their lengthy losing streak, but they will be on the road and they have allowed at least four goals in four straight games. The Ducks are 9-9-2 on the road this year, while the Capitals are 12-7-3 at home. Washington has lost three of their last four games, but they do have the goaltending advantage here. The Ducks have gone over 6.5 goals in four straight contests, while Washington has gone over 6.5 goals in four of their last five. I think we are going to see another high scoring game here, so I like the over.

David Racey's Pick: Over 6.5