Washington Capitals vs Calgary Flames Picks and Predictions for Friday, January 23, 2026
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The Washington Capitals head west to face the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday, January 23, 2026, with puck drop scheduled for 9:00 PM. This matchup will be televised on ESPN+ and Monumental Sports Network. Washington enters as the road favorite at -142 on the moneyline, while Calgary is priced at +120. The total is set at 5.5 goals with the Over at -135 and the Under at +114, and the puck line shows the Capitals -1.5 at +180 with the Flames +1.5 at -218. Make sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights.
Washington Trying To Halt The Slide On The Road
Washington comes into this game with a 24-21-6 overall record and a 10-11-3 mark on the road. Over their last five games, the Capitals have recently lost to the Canucks, Avalanche, Panthers, and Sharks, while also recently winning over the Canadiens in overtime, highlighting a rough stretch against quality competition.
From a numbers standpoint, Washington is averaging 3.18 goals per game while allowing 2.88 goals against. They generate 29.2 shots per game and surrender 28.4 shots against, keeping most games competitive despite recent losses.
Special teams have been inconsistent for the Capitals. They’ve scored 25 power play goals with a 17.0% conversion rate, while the penalty kill sits at 78.0%. Discipline has been an issue at times, but their ability to score at even strength keeps them dangerous.
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Calgary Looking To Defend Home Ice
Calgary enters the matchup with a 21-24-5 overall record and has been much stronger at home, posting a 13-8-3 record at the Saddledome. In their last five games, the Flames have recently lost to the Penguins, Devils in overtime, and Blue Jackets, while also recently winning over the Islanders and Blackhawks, showing mixed results.
Offensively, Calgary is averaging 2.52 goals per game while allowing 2.94 goals against. They average 28.7 shots per game and give up 29.0 shots against, often relying on structure rather than pace to stay competitive.
The Flames’ penalty kill has been a strength, sitting at 83.1%, and they’ve added seven shorthanded goals on the season. However, their power play has struggled at 14.8%, limiting their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Washington Capitals vs Calgary Flames Pick
Washington Capitals vs Calgary Flames Pick
- Pick: Washington Capitals moneyline (-142)
Washington has faced a tougher recent schedule and still owns stronger offensive numbers than Calgary. Against a Flames team that struggles to score consistently, the Capitals are positioned to control this matchup and snap their skid.
Washington Capitals vs Calgary Flames Total Pick
- Pick: Under 5.5 goals
I’m taking the Under because both teams lean toward structured, lower-tempo games, and Calgary’s offense has been limited most nights. With Washington also tightening things up defensively on the road, this matchup profiles as a lower-scoring contest.
Final Score Prediction: Capitals 3, Flames 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Thursday.
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