The Washington Capitals (24-20-6) face the Vancouver Canucks (16-28-5) in a cross-conference matchup where the Caps look to halt a three-game skid against a reeling Canucks team on an 11-game winless streak. Washington boasts a top-10 offense but has struggled defensively lately, while Vancouver ranks last in goals against and is plagued by injuries. With stars like Alex Ovechkin leading the charge for the Caps and Elias Pettersson trying to spark the Canucks, this could be a rebound opportunity for Washington on the road, though Vancouver’s desperation might keep it close.
Venue Location
Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Puckdrop I scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT).
The Capitals are clinging to a playoff spot in the East, while the Canucks sit at the bottom of the league.
Recent Team Forms
Washington Capitals: The Capitals are 2-5-0 in their last seven games, with defensive lapses allowing 4+ goals in four losses. They’ve averaged 2.8 goals per game recently but rank top-10 in scoring overall.
Key recent results:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 19, 2026 | @ Colorado Avalanche | L | 2-5 |
| Jan 17, 2026 | vs. New York Islanders | L | 2-4 |
| Jan 15, 2026 | @ Buffalo Sabres | L | 2-5 |
| Jan 13, 2026 | vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | L | 1-5 |
| Jan 11, 2026 | vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | L | 2-4 |
| Jan 9, 2026 | @ Toronto Maple Leafs | L (OT) | 3-4 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | vs. New Jersey Devils | W | 9-0 |
Washington’s form shows vulnerability on the road but strong blowout potential.
Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks are 0-9-2 in their last 11, with poor defense (3.65 GAA league-worst) and home woes (eight-game losing streak). They’ve averaged 2.55 goals per game, ranking 29th.
Recent results:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 20, 2026 | vs. New York Islanders | L | 3-4 |
| Jan 19, 2026 | vs. New Jersey Devils | L (OT) | 1-2 |
| Jan 17, 2026 | @ Columbus Blue Jackets | W | 4-3 |
| Jan 15, 2026 | vs. Chicago Blackhawks | W | 3-2 |
| Jan 13, 2026 | @ New York Islanders | L | 1-4 |
| Jan 10, 2026 | vs. Boston Bruins | L | 1-4 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | @ Montreal Canadiens | L | 1-4 |
Vancouver’s skid highlights depth issues and injuries.
Injury Report
Washington Capitals:
Tom Wilson (RW): Day-to-Day (Lower Body) – Missed recent games, status uncertain.
Pierre-Luc Dubois (LW): Out (Abdomen) – On IR.
Eriks Mateiko (LW): Out (Undisclosed).
The Caps’ forward group is thinned, impacting secondary scoring.
Vancouver Canucks:
Thatcher Demko (G): Out (Knee) – On IR, expected late February.
Filip Chytil (C): Questionable (Concussion) – Trending toward return soon.
Teddy Blueger (C): Questionable (Undisclosed) – Possible return Jan 21.
Derek Forbort (D): Out (Undisclosed) – LTIR.
Guillaume Brisebois (D): Out (Lower Body).
Vancouver’s goaltending and center depth are compromised.
Key
Player Matchups
Key battles could define this low-event game, with Washington’s veterans testing Vancouver’s depleted lineup:
Alex Ovechkin (WSH) vs. Quinn Hughes (VAN): Ovechkin (20 G, 22 A, 42 P) is Washington’s sniper with power-play prowess (3 PPG). Hughes (high assists, 2.9 shots/G) anchors Vancouver’s defense; this forward-defenseman clash could control the rush.
Dylan Strome (WSH) vs. Elias Pettersson (VAN): Strome (high points potential) brings playmaking; Pettersson (11 P in 11 vs. WSH) adds scoring threat. Expect a center duel for face-off wins and zone time.
Jakob Chychrun (WSH) vs. Brock Boeser (VAN): Chychrun (18 G) provides offensive defense; Boeser (0.35 G/G) tests with shots. This could swing power plays.
John Carlson (WSH) vs. Evander Kane (VAN): Carlson (assists leader) vs. Kane (32 P in 40 vs. WSH). Physicality in the neutral zone.
Logan Thompson (WSH, G) vs. Kevin Lankinen (VAN, G): Thompson (3-2, .889 SV% vs. VAN) edges Lankinen (2-0-1, .940 SV% vs. WSH), but injuries force backups.
Washington’s stars have the edge amid Vancouver’s woes.
Series History
Vancouver holds a 46-48-9-5 all-time edge over Washington in 108 regular-season games, with a 25-20-5-3 home record. Recently, the Canucks are 5-3-2 in the last 10 (3-1-1 in last five), including a 4-3 win on Oct. 19, 2025. Over the last 10 head-to-heads, six have gone under 6 total goals.
Betting Trends
Spread: Washington is 4-1 ATS as road favorites lately; Vancouver 3-2 ATS as home underdogs.
Over/Under: Under in 7 of Vancouver’s last 10; Over in 28/50 Washington games.
Other Trends: Capitals 2-5 SU in last seven; Canucks 0-9-2 in last 11. Under has hit in 6/10 head-to-heads.
Game Odds
Washington Capitals – 166
Vancouver Canucks 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 20, 2026
