The Washington Capitals (23-16-6) face the Nashville Predators (20-20-4) in an interconference clash. The Capitals, third in the Metropolitan Division with 52 points, have won three of their last four, showcasing strong offense but inconsistent defense. The Predators, sixth in the Central with 44 points, are .500 on the season but have dropped two straight, struggling with secondary scoring amid injuries. This matchup could turn on special teams, with Washington aiming to exploit Nashville’s recent defensive lapses.
Venue:
The game will be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Broadcast details include ESPN+ nationally, with regional coverage on MNMT (Capitals) and BSSO (Predators).
Recent Team Forms
Washington has been potent offensively, averaging 3.7 goals in their last 10, but they’ve allowed 3.2 per game. Nashville has been shut out in two of their last three, scoring just 2.4 goals per contest in this span.
Washington Capitals (Last 10 Games: 6-3-1)
The Capitals are riding a two-game win streak, including a dominant 5-1 victory over Chicago, but road games have been tighter.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 10, 2026 | vs. CHI | W 5-1 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | vs. DAL | L 1-4 |
| Jan 5, 2026 | @ ANA | W 7-4 |
| Jan 3, 2026 | vs. CAR | W 4-3 (OT) |
| Jan 1, 2026 | @ ARI | L 2-3 |
| Dec 30, 2025 | vs. VAN | W 5-2 |
| Dec 28, 2025 | @ SEA | L 3-4 (SO) |
| Dec 26, 2025 | vs. CGY | W 3-1 |
| Dec 23, 2025 | @ EDM | W 4-2 |
| Dec 21, 2025 | vs. LAK | L 1-3 |
Key trend: Washington is 5-1-0 when scoring first in their last six, but 2-4-1 on the road in their last seven.
Nashville Predators (Last 10 Games: 4-5-1)
The Predators snapped a brief win streak with back-to-back losses, including a 3-0 shutout by Chicago, highlighting goaltending vulnerabilities.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 10, 2026 | vs. CHI | L 0-3 |
| Jan 8, 2026 | vs. NYI | W 2-1 (SO) |
| Jan 6, 2026 | @ EDM | L 2-6 |
| Jan 4, 2026 | vs. BOS | W 3-1 |
| Jan 2, 2026 | @ VGK | L 1-4 |
| Dec 31, 2025 | vs. SJS | W 4-2 |
| Dec 29, 2025 | @ UTA | L 3-5 |
| Dec 27, 2025 | vs. COL | W 5-3 |
| Dec 23, 2025 | @ DAL | L 2-3 (OT) |
| Dec 21, 2025 | vs. MIN | L 1-2 |
Key trend: Nashville is 3-2-0 at home in their last five, but they’ve been outscored 12-2 in their last two defeats.
Injury Report
Washington Capitals
Tom Wilson (RW): Questionable (lower body) – Placed on IR but skated recently; status to be determined closer to game time.
Aliaksei Protas (C): Day-to-day (lower body) – Missed recent practices but progressing.
Pierre-Luc Dubois (C): Out (abdomen) – No timetable for return, impacting center depth.
The Capitals have three key forwards in question, potentially thinning their physical presence and secondary scoring.
Nashville Predators
Jonathan Marchessault (RW): Probable (lower body) – Missed the Islanders game but expected back; full practice participant.
No other major injuries reported, but the Predators’ depth has been tested by minor ailments affecting their top-six forwards.
Key Player Matchups
Alex Ovechkin (WSH LW) vs. Roman Josi (NSH D): Ovechkin (2 goals in recent games) brings power and shot volume; Josi (top defenseman with assists) must neutralize him on rushes and power plays.
Connor McMichael (WSH C) vs. Ryan O’Reilly (NSH C): McMichael (4 assists lately) faces O’Reilly in faceoff battles (O’Reilly at 55% win rate); control of the dot could dictate possession.
Dylan Strome (WSH C) vs. Filip Forsberg (NSH LW): Strome’s playmaking vs. Forsberg’s sniping (leading Preds in goals); expect this to highlight offensive zones.
Goaltending: Charlie Lindgren (WSH) vs. Juuse Saros (NSH): Lindgren (2.75 GAA, .910 SV%) has won three of four; Saros (2.95 GAA, .905 SV%) struggled in the shutout loss but rebounds well at home. Projected starters: Lindgren for Capitals, Saros for Predators.
Series History
The Capitals and Predators have met 39 times all-time, with Nashville holding a 20-16-1-2 edge. In the last 10 meetings, the Predators are 6-4-0, but Washington has won three of the last five. At Bridgestone Arena, Nashville is 11-8-0-1 vs. the Capitals. Recent games average 5.6 goals, with the over hitting in four of the last six head-to-heads.
Betting Trends
Washington is 6-4 in their last 10 as favorites; Nashville 4-6 as home underdogs. Capitals 5-5 ATS in last 10; Predators 4-1 ATS in last 5 overall. Over has hit in 6 of Capitals’ last 10 road games and 5 of Predators’ last 10 home contests. Head-to-head average: 5.6 goals in last 5. Predators are 4-1 SU in last 5 but 2-8 ATS after losses; Capitals 7-3 ATS vs. Central teams. Power play efficiency: Capitals 24.5%, Predators 19.8%.
Game Odds
Washington Capitals -148
Nashville Predators 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 10, 2026
