The Washington Capitals head to Calgary for a cross-conference clash against the Flames on Friday, January 23, 2026. The Capitals, clinging to a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, look to build on a recent road win and snap a two-game losing streak overall amid goaltending inconsistencies. The Flames, sitting sixth in the Pacific Division, aim to leverage their home ice to climb the standings after alternating wins and losses in their last five. This marks the second and final meeting of the season, with Washington winning the first 4-3 in overtime in Washington on November 9, 2025.
Venue Location
Scotiabank Saddledome
Calgary, AB
Capacity: 19,289
(Opened in 1983 and known for its saddle-shaped roof, this iconic arena is home to the Flames and hosts a fervent fanbase that creates one of the NHL’s loudest atmospheres, especially during Western Conference battles.)
Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT)
Broadcast: ESPN+, SN (Flames local), MNMT (Capitals local)
Radio: Sportsnet 960 The Fan (Calgary), WFED 1500 AM (Washington)
Injury Report
Both teams are navigating injuries, with Calgary hit harder in the forward group and Washington managing defensive depth issues.
Washington Capitals:
Alex Ovechkin (LW): Questionable (Lower body; limited in practice, game-time decision)
Tom Wilson (RW): Out (Upper body; IR, expected return early February)
Nick Jensen (D): Game-time decision (Illness)
Jakob Chychrun (D): Out (Shoulder; out indefinitely)
Ilya Samsonov is expected to start in goal. The Caps will rely on Dylan Strome and Pierre-Luc Dubois for added faceoff duties if Ovechkin sits.
Calgary Flames:
Jonathan Huberdeau (LW): Out (Concussion; IR, expected return late January)
Anthony Mantha (RW): Questionable (Lower body)
Blake Coleman (C): Game-time decision (Undisclosed)
Dillon Dube (C): Out (Personal reasons; indefinite leave)
Dustin Wolf is probable to start in net. Nazem Kadri and MacKenzie Weegar remain key for leadership amid the absences.
Key Player Matchups
This game features veteran scoring against young goaltending, with Washington’s experience testing Calgary’s resilient defense (No. 12 in GA/G).
Alex Ovechkin (WSH, if active) vs. MacKenzie Weegar (CGY): Power vs. shutdown. Ovechkin (28G, 22A) chases goal records with his one-timer, but Weegar (8G, 25A, +15) excels in blocking shots (top-10 league-wide) and physical play.
Dylan Strome (WSH) vs. Nazem Kadri (CGY): Center battle. Strome (18G, 30A) brings playmaking, facing Kadri (15G, 25A), a pest who thrives in faceoffs (52.8%) and agitating opponents.
Connor McMichael (WSH) vs. Yegor Sharangovich (CGY): Young guns. McMichael (16G, 20A) adds speed, while Sharangovich (18G, 18A) provides secondary scoring for Calgary.
Ilya Samsonov (WSH) vs. Dustin Wolf (CGY): Goalies. Samsonov (.908 SV%) seeks consistency, against Wolf (.912 SV%), who’s been stellar at home (2.45 GAA).
Other notes: Washington’s power play (22.0%, 14th) vs. Calgary’s penalty kill (80.5%, 16th) could swing momentum. The Flames’ home hits (top-5) may wear down the Caps.
Team Rankings
| Category | Capitals Rank (League) | Flames Rank (League) |
| Goals Per Game | 3.00 (18th) | 2.84 (22nd) |
| Goals Against Per Game | 3.16 (20th) | 2.96 (13th) |
| Power Play % | 22.0% (14th) | 18.6% (19th) |
| Penalty Kill % | 80.5% (16th) | 81.0% (14th) |
| Shots Per Game | 29.5 (17th) | 28.4 (24th) |
| Faceoff % | 50.8% (12th) | 49.8% (18th) |
Recent Team Forms
Washington has been inconsistent, while Calgary shows signs of home resilience.
Washington Capitals (Last 10 Games: 4-4-2)
The Caps have alternated results, with a 3-2 OT win over Ottawa (Jan. 18) but losses like 1-4 to Toronto (Jan. 21). They’ve averaged 2.9 GPG but allowed 3.2.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Performer |
| Jan. 21 | @ TOR | L | 1-4 | Ovechkin: 1G |
| Jan. 19 | vs. BUF | L | 2-3 | Strome: 1G, 1A |
| Jan. 18 | vs. OTT | W (OT) | 3-2 | McMichael: GWG |
| Jan. 16 | @ WSH (error; @ PIT) | L | 2-4 | Samsonov: 25 saves |
| Jan. 14 | vs. NJD | W | 4-2 | Konecny: 2G |
| Jan. 11 | @ NYI | L (SO) | 2-3 | Strome: 1G, 1A |
| Jan. 9 | vs. NYR | W | 3-1 | Ersson: 28 saves |
| Jan. 7 | @ BOS | L (OT) | 3-4 | Ovechkin: 2G |
| Jan. 5 | vs. CAR | W | 5-3 | McMichael: 2G |
| Jan. 3 | @ TBL | L | 1-3 | Strome: 1G |
Calgary Flames (Last 10 Games: 5-4-1)
The Flames have won five of their last 10, including a 4-3 OT win over Edmonton (Jan. 21). Home wins like 3-1 over Vancouver (Jan. 18) highlight defense (2.8 GAA in wins).
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Key Performer |
| Jan. 21 | vs. EDM | W (OT) | 4-3 | Kadri: 1G, 1A |
| Jan. 19 | @ VAN | L | 2-3 | Sharangovich: 1G |
| Jan. 18 | vs. VAN | W | 3-1 | Weegar: 1G |
| Jan. 16 | @ SEA | L | 1-3 | Wolf: 30 saves |
| Jan. 14 | vs. ARI | W | 5-2 | Kadri: 2G |
| Jan. 11 | @ LAK | L (OT) | 3-4 | Sharangovich: 2G |
| Jan. 9 | vs. ANA | W | 4-2 | Weegar: 1G, 1A |
| Jan. 7 | @ SJS | W | 3-2 | Kadri: GWG |
| Jan. 5 | vs. VGK | L | 2-4 | Sharangovich: 1G |
| Jan. 3 | @ ARI | L | 1-2 | Wolf: 28 saves |
Series History
Washington leads the all-time series 44-41-8-4 in 97 regular-season games. The Capitals have won 4 of the last 6 meetings, including this season’s 4-3 OT victory. Trends: The under has hit in 5 of the last 7 games, averaging 5.4 total goals.
| Date | Location | Result | Score | Puck Line Covered? |
| Nov. 9, 2025 | Washington | WSH Win (OT) | 4-3 | CGY +1.5 |
| Mar. 5, 2025 | Calgary | CGY Win | 3-2 | CGY +1.5 |
| Nov. 16, 2024 | Washington | WSH Win | 4-2 | WSH -1.5 |
| Mar. 10, 2024 | Calgary | WSH Win | 5-3 | WSH -1.5 |
| Nov. 9, 2023 | Washington | CGY Win | 4-3 (SO) | CGY +1.5 |
Betting Trends
Puck Line (ATS): Capitals 25-26 (49% cover rate); Flames 23-27 (46% cover rate). Washington is 4-6 ATS in last 10, Calgary 5-5 ATS. Over/Under (O/U): Capitals games hit over 24-27 (47%); Flames 25-25 (50%). Last 10 Flames games average 5.6 total goals. Moneyline (ML): Flames 18-22 as favorites (45% win rate); Capitals 12-20 as underdogs. Calgary is 12-13 straight-up at home. Recent Trends: Capitals 2-5 SU on road last 7; 3-7 ATS vs. West. Flames 4-1 SU last 5 home vs. East; under in 6 of last 10.
Calgary’s home edge (12-11-2) and 5-4-1 last 10 give them a 58% win probability. Washington’s road issues (10-11-3) and potential Ovechkin absence tilt this. Washington covers 49% of puck lines and keeps games close (4-2-1 in last 7 as underdogs). Flames are 5-5 ATS; expect a one-goal contest. Both defenses improve at home/road (CGY No. 13 GA/G, WSH allows 3.16); last five meetings averaged 5.4 goals. Value on under.
Game Odds
Washington Capitals – 130
Calgary Flames 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 22, 2026
