Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals Prediction, 1/3/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals

Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026

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

TV: Monumental Sports Network

Odds/Point Spread: Blackhawks (+150) Capitals (-182)

The Washington Capitals (21-14-5) will compete against the Chicago Blackhawks (14-18-7) at Capital One Arena on Saturday. The line on this matchup has the Blackhawks at +150 while the Capitals are priced at -182. The betting total comes in at 6.5.

The Chicago Blackhawks had a decent effort after finishing in a 2-2 tie against the Islanders in their previous game. The Blackhawks didn't have their best offensive outing in this game. In the matchup, they converted 2 of the 19 shots they tried. Furthermore, they had 2 power play chances and were able to notch 1 goal. Chicago accounted for 8 penalty minutes in this game.

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While playing at even strength, the Blackhawks have allowed the opponent to score 102 goals while scoring 85 as an offensive unit. Chicago Blackhawks opponents have totaled 134 power play opportunities (3rd in hockey) and have notched 22 goals in those chances. In the matter of their scoring capabilities, the Chicago Blackhawks have tallied 107 goals (26th in the National Hockey League) over the course of the season and have given up 124. Chicago has attempted 979 shots and has a shot percentage of 10.9%. For the current season, the have a total of 35 points and their points percentage sits at .449. The Blackhawks so far have had 1,174 shots attempted against them and have a save percentage of .894. Chicago has 110 power play chances and they have notched 22 goals during those chances, garnering them a rate of 20.00%.

The man protecting the net in this game is Spencer Knight. Knight has been involved in 122 games over the course of his pro hockey career. He has accumulated a mark of 59-44-15 and he started in 112 games. Opponents have been able to score 321 goals against Knight in his NHL career and his goals against average is 2.87. Knight has seen 3,388 shots taken against him and has amassed 3,067 total saves. His save percentage currently is at .905 for his 5,102 minutes guarding the cage. For his career, Knight has accumulated 59 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .527.

In their last outing, Washington opposed the Rangers in a game where the Capitals ended up with the win by a tally of 6-3. They had 3 power play opportunities in this one and notched 1 out of those attempts. The Capitals tallied 6 goals of the 27 shots on goal they were seeking.

For the season, the Washington Capitals have accumulated 130 goals, 47 points, as well as a points percentage of .588. They have permitted 110 goals to be scored by of a combination of 80 goals at even strength and 30 goals while they had less men on the ice. The Capitals have accumulated 112 goals at even strength and 18 goals (28th in pro hockey) while on the power play. They have earned 115 opportunities on the power play and they have earned a power play percentage of 15.65%. Washington has taken 1,170 shots (9th in the NHL) and has a shooting percentage of 11.11%, while allowing their opponents 1,106 shots. They have earned a penalty kill percentage of 76.00% on the other teams 125 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is 90.1%.

On the other side of the ice you are expected to see Logan Thompson in the crease. He has accounted for 4,494 stops out of 4,927 shots attempted, which gives him a percentage of .912. Thompson is the owner of a career record of 102-48-20 and has played in 174 games. He has been a starter 165 games and has been on the ice for 7,807 minutes. Thompson's quality start percentage is 62.4% and he has qualified for 103 quality starting assignments in his professional career. Opponents are averaging 2.62 goals per contest and he has conceded 433 goals altogether.

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

Josh's Pick: Take Chicago (+150)

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