Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings Prediction, 1/29/2026 NHL Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Washington Capitals vs Detroit Red Wings

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026

Location: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI

TV: Fanduel Sports Network

The Washington Capitals (25-21-7) are traveling to Little Caesars Arena on Thursday where they will take on the Detroit Red Wings (32-16-5).

The Washington Capitals were on the wrong end of the scoreboard with a 6-5 loss against the Oilers in their last outing. Washington recorded 12 penalty minutes in this contest. The Capitals had a good offensive performance in this loss. Additionally, they had 5 opportunities with more players on the ice and were able to score 1 goal. In the game, they earned a goal on 5 of the 27 shots they attempted.

When at even strength, the Capitals have given up 116 goals while scoring 144 of their own. Washington Capitals opponents have recorded 171 power play tries (4th in hockey) and have come away with 38 goals in those attempts. With respect to their goal scoring prowess, the Washington Capitals have accumulated 170 goals (11th in the NHL) so far this year and have allowed 154. Washington has attempted 1,552 shots and holds a shot percentage of 11.0%. For the season, they have accumulated 57 points and their points percentage comes in at .538. The Capitals have had 1,514 shots tried against them and have a save percentage of .898. Washington steps onto the ice with 155 power play opportunities and they have scored 26 goals during those chances, garnering them a percentage of 16.77%.

The man in goal for this game is Logan Thompson. Opponents have scored 456 goals versus Thompson in his career and his goals against average is 2.62. Thompson has been involved in 183 games over the course of his NHL career. He has a save percentage of .912 during his 7,829 minutes played. He has an overall record of 105-53-21 and got the start in 174 games. Over the course of his time in hockey, Thompson has accounted for 108 quality starts and his quality starts percentage sits at .621. Thompson has seen 5,182 shot attempts against him and has garnered 4,726 total saves.

Their last time out, Detroit opposed the Jets in a game where the Red Wings ended up with the win by a final score of 5-1. They had 3 power play opportunities in this matchup but didn't put one in the back of the net. The Red Wings recorded 5 goals of the 31 shots on goal they pursued.

The Red Wings have accumulated 124 goals at even strength and 41 goals (5th in the league) while having more men on the ice. Detroit has taken 1,512 shots (9th in professional hockey) and has earned a shooting percentage of 10.91%, while allowing the other team 1,495 shots. For the season, the Detroit Red Wings have accounted for 165 goals, 69 points, and a points percentage of .651. They have granted a total of 157 goals to be scored by way of 128 goals at even strength and 29 goals while they were shorthanded. They have a tally of 166 power play chances and they have a power play rate of 24.70%. They have a penalty kill percentage of 79.29% on their oppositions 140 power play opportunities, and their save percentage is 89.5%.

Across the rink you are likely to see John Gibson patrolling the crease. He has racked up 14,823 saves out of the 16,292 shots attempted against him, which gives him a save percentage of .910. Gibson has amassed a lifetime record of 225-226-64 and has been in goal for 538 games. He has been a starter 526 contests and has played 26,896 minutes. Gibson's quality start rate sits at 54.4% and he has qualified for 286 quality starting assignments in his NHL career. Teams are averaging 2.79 goals/game and he has conceded 1,469 goals in total.

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

Parlays Pundit's Pick: Take Detroit

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