Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Prediction, 1/31/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Location: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

TV: Monumental Sports Network

Capital One Arena is the site where the Washington Capitals (25-22-7) will attempt to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes (32-15-5) on Saturday.

The Carolina Hurricanes had a good night with a 4-1 win over the Senators in their previous game. Carolina earned 18 minutes in the box for this game. The Hurricanes had a impressive offensive performance in the victory. In addition, they had 4 power play chances and scored 1 goal. For the matchup, they tallied a score on 4 out of the 19 shots they looked to score on.

Carolina Hurricanes opponents have earned 147 power play opportunities (20th in the league) and have come away with 29 goals in those chances. The Hurricanes have had 1,265 shots taken against them and have earned a save percentage of .884. Carolina has tried 1,668 shots and has a shooting percentage of 10.6%. At even strength, the Hurricanes have given up 118 goals while having 142 on offense. Carolina has compiled 160 power play chances and they have scored 34 goals during those advantages, garnering them a rate of 21.25%. For the season, they have scored 69 points and their points percentage sits at .663. Pertaining to scoring goals, the Carolina Hurricanes have earned 176 goals (6th in the NHL) on the year and have conceded 147.

The man in net for this game is Brandon Bussi. The opposition has been able to score 50 goals against Bussi in his NHL career and his goals against average per game is 2.17. Bussi has been in goal for 23 matchups during his pro hockey career. His save percentage currently is .909 for his 58 mins guarding the cage. He has amassed an overall record of 19-3-1 and he started in 23 games. From the beginning of his pro career to now, Bussi is sitting with 16 quality starts and his quality starts rate sits at .696. Bussi has seen 549 shot attempts against him and has accrued 499 total saves.

In their last game, Washington faced off against the Kraken in a matchup where the Capitals were on the wrong end of the score by a final score of 5-1. They had 5 power play chances in this contest and recorded 1 out of those chances. The Capitals recorded 1 goal out of the 20 shots on goal they tried.

The Capitals have scored 144 goals at even strength and 27 goals (25th in hockey) while on the power play. Washington has taken 1,572 shots (6th in the league) and has earned a shot percentage of 10.88%, while allowing the opposition 1,546 shots. Over the course of the season, the Washington Capitals have notched a total of 171 goals, 57 points, in addition to a points percentage of .528. They have permitted 159 goals to be scored by way of 120 goals at even strength and 39 goals while they had less men on the ice. They have a total of 160 power play chances and they have a power play percentage of 16.88%. They have a penalty kill rate of 77.71% on their opponents 175 opportunities on the power play, and their save percentage sits at 89.7%.

Across the ice you are going to see Logan Thompson patrolling the crease. Thompson has earned a lifetime record of 105-54-21 and has participated in 184 games. Thompson's quality start rate is 61.7% and he has qualified for 108 quality starts in his NHL career. He has accounted for 4,753 saves out of 5,214 shots tried, giving him a rate of .912. Teams are averaging 2.63 goals per game and he has surrendered 461 goals overall. He has made the start in 175 games and has accumulated 7,832 mins.

Who will win tonight's NHL game against the spread or moneyline?

Tony's Pick: Take Carolina

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here