by Rod Pearson
Thursday, Jan 08, 2026
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET, Friday, January 9, 2026
Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL
Where to Watch: NHL Network
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Moneyline: Capitals -170, Blackhawks +142; Over/Under: 5.5 goals
Bet365: Moneyline: Capitals -170, Blackhawks +140; Over/Under: 5.5 goals
BetMGM: Moneyline: Capitals -170, Blackhawks +140; Over/Under: 5.5 goals
Season Record
Washington Capitals: 22-16-6 (4th place, Metropolitan Division)
Chicago Blackhawks: 18-18-7 (5th place, Central Division)
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Recent Form
Washington Capitals: 3-5-2 last 10
Chicago Blackhawks: 5-4-1 last 10
Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks Preview and Analysis
The Capitals are entering this game with 50 points, a 22-16-6 record overall, and they are 9-8-3 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Dallas Stars in their last game, losing that one at home 4-1. Alexander Ovechkin scored 1 goal for them in that one. Jakob Chychrun and John Carlson each led the team in assists with 1 while Jakob Chychrun led the team in shots on net in that game with 6. Logan Thompson was the starting goalie in that game and he allowed 3 goals on 35 shots with 32 saves and a .914 save percentage. Their offense has scored 143 goals this season averaging 3.3 goals per game and their defense has allowed their opponents to score 129 goals against them allowing 2.9 goals per game.
The Blackhawks are entering this game with 43 points, a 18-18-7 record overall, and they are 10-8-4 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a win against the St Louis Blues in their last game, winning that one at home 7-3. Connor Murphy, Landon Slaggert, Louis Crevier, Oliver Moore, André Burakovsky, Jason Dickinson, and Nick Lardis each scored 1 goal for them in that one. Matt Grzelcyk led the team in assists with 2 while Tyler Bertuzzi led the team in shots on net in that game with 6. Spencer Knight was the starting goalie in that game and he allowed 3 goals on 30 shots with 27 saves and a .900 sv percentage. Their offense has scored 125 goals this season averaging 2.9 goals per game and their defense has allowed their opponents to score 137 goals against them allowing 3.2 goals per game.
Capitals vs Blackhawks Prediction
The current betting odds have the Blackhawks listed as an underdog in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Blackhawks haven't looked great in their games this season with their 18-18-7 record overall which has them in the bottom half of their division in the West. They haven't looked great on home ice either with their 10-8-4 home record this year. Meanwhile, the Capitals have looked good in their games this season with their 22-16-6 record overall which has them in the top half of their division in the East. They haven't been a great road team though with their 9-8-3 road record this season. The Capitals have been up and down in the standings this season after being one of the best teams in the NHL during the regular season last year. Lately they haven't looked great though, going 3-5-2 in their last 10 games and coming off a home loss to the Stars in their last one. Their offense has been good this season, but scoring goals has been a bit of an issue lately with their offense being very up and down. The Blackhawks haven't looked great either as they are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, but they are off a 7-3 win over the Blues in their last one and have a lot of momentum on their side with 4 wins in a row now. They have had a bit of an offensive explosion lately too, so they can take advantage of this Capitals team that has been in a bit of a slump lately. The best way to place a bet here is on the Blackhawks to win this game or on the puckline.
Capitals Blackhawks Prediction: Our NHL Pick for Friday, January 9, 2026 (8:00 pm ET start time) is Blackhawks 4 Capitals 3.
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NHL Betting Trends
Washington Capitals: 118-104 (+9.8 units) on the moneyline in all games. 31-18 (+20.5 units) on the moneyline revenging a loss vs opponent as a home favorite. 73-53 (+9.2 units) on the moneyline against terrible defensive teams - allowing 3+ goals/game. 15-6 UNDER after playing 3 consecutive home games.
Chicago Blackhawks: 66-141 (-29.2 units) on the moneyline in all games. 60-134 (-26.4 units) on the moneyline as an underdog. 28-75 (-22 units) on the moneyline against explosive offensive teams - scoring 3+ goals/game. 10-4 UNDER when playing their 8th game in 14 days.
Key Injuries
Washington Capitals: T. Wilson (RW) Out - Lower Body. A. Protas (C) Out - Lower Body. P. Dubois (LW) Out - Abdomen.
Chicago Blackhawks: C. Bedard (C) Day To Day - Shoulder. F. Nazar (C) Out - Upper-body. S. Weber (D) Out For Season - Ankle.
Notable Quotes
“That’s not the start we’re looking for. I thought we were fine in the first. We weren’t doing much but it was fine. It was tight. But getting down to start the game is not the best recipe for success. You’re fighting an uphill battle against a real good defensive team.” - Spencer Carbery after his team’s loss against the Stars in their game on Wednesday.
“It’s exciting. I would be lying if I said it’s not a ton of fun in here, just with the group we have. Coming into the rink every day, it’s my favorite part of the day, and I think (for) a lot of guys in here. It’s a lot about the winning. We want to win, but I think our process right now is what’s allowing us to really be free out there. We’re all on the same page and we’ve got to look to keep it going.” - Oliver Moore after their win against the Blues in their game on Wednesday.
Starting Lineups
Washington Capitals
LW Alex Ovechkin
C Dylan Strome
RW Anthony Beauvillier
LD Martin Fehervary
RD John Carlson
G Logan Thompson
Chicago Blackhawks
LW Tyler Bertuzzi
C Ryan Greene
RW Andre Burakovsky
LD Alex Vlasic
RD Louis Crevier
G Spencer Knight
Statistical Leaders
Washington Capitals
Points: Tom Wilson (42)
Goals: Tom Wilson (22)
Assists: Dylan Strome (23)
GAA: Logan Thompson (2.40)
Chicago Blackhawks
Points: Connor Bedard (44)
Goals: Tyler Bertuzzi (22)
Assists: Connor Bedard (25)
GAA: Spencer Knight (2.62)
Coaches:
Washington Capitals: Spencer Carbery (3rd season)
Chicago Blackhawks: Jeff Blashill (1st season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
