Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction, 1/9/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks

Date: Friday, January 9, 2026

Location: United Center in Chicago, IL

TV: Chicago Sports Network

The Washington Capitals (22-16-6) are headed to United Center on Friday where they will take on the Chicago Blackhawks (18-18-7).

The Washington Capitals will be looking to get a win in their next outing after their 4-1 loss against the Stars in their previous outing. The Capitals left a lot to be desired in terms of their offense in the loss. For the game, they were able to notch a goal on 1 of the 24 shots they put on goal. In addition, they had 2 power play attempts but weren't able to score. Washington compiled 11 penalty minutes for this contest.

When playing at even strength, the Capitals have surrendered 93 goals while notching 124 when they are on offense. Washington Capitals opponents have totaled 136 power play opportunities (10th in the league) and have earned 31 goals in those attempts. With regard to their goal scoring prowess, the Washington Capitals have racked up 143 goals (7th in the NHL) so far this year and have given up 124. Washington has attempted 1,286 shots and holds a shot percentage of 11.1%. For the current campaign, they have racked up 50 points and their points percentage is sitting at .568. The Capitals so far have had 1,252 shots tried against them and are the owners of a save percentage of .901. Washington comes into tonight with 124 power play chances and they have notched 19 goals out of those attempts, garnering them a percentage of 15.32%.

The man in net for this game is Logan Thompson. Thompson has played in 177 games during his professional hockey career. He has compiled a win-loss record of 102-50-21 and he has gotten the start in 168 games. Opponents have scored 442 goals against Thompson in his pro career and his goals against average per contest is 2.63. Thompson has seen 5,027 shots taken against him and has accrued 4,585 saves. His save percentage currently is at .912 for his 7,814 minutes on the ice. Throughout his time in hockey, Thompson has compiled 105 quality starts and his rate for quality starts is .625.

When they took the ice last, Chicago went up against the Blues in an outing where the Blackhawks got the win by a mark of 7-3. The Blackhawks scored 7 goals of the 35 shots on goal they took. They had 4 chances on the power play in this game and scored 3 out of those opportunities.

Chicago has taken 1,088 shots (29th in the league) and has earned a shot percentage of 11.31%, while allowing their opponents 1,278 shots. They have recorded a penalty kill percentage of 84.40% on their oppositions 141 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is 89.5%. They have recorded 122 opportunities on the power play and they have accumulated a power play rate of 22.95%. The Blackhawks have 95 goals at even strength and 28 goals (13th in hockey) while on the power play. They have granted a total of 134 goals to be scored by of a combination of 112 goals at even strength and 22 goals while they had less men on the ice. On the season, the Chicago Blackhawks are sitting with 123 goals, 43 points, in addition to a points percentage of .500.

For the opposition you are expected to see Spencer Knight in goal. Knight has compiled a career mark of 62-44-15 and has played in 125 games. Knight's percentage of quality starts is 53.0% and he has made 61 quality starts in his NHL career. He has compiled 3,148 stops out of the 3,477 shots tried, giving him a save % of .905. His opponents are averaging 2.86 goals per game and he has conceded 329 goals altogether. He has started in 115 contests and has racked up 5,110 minutes.

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

Tony's Pick: Take Washington

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