Calgary Flames vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions January 23rd 2026

The Washington Capitals continue their Western Canada road swing Friday night with a visit to the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Puck drop is set for 9:00 p.m. ET, with Washington favored at -139 on the moneyline. Calgary enters as a home underdog at +118. Both teams are fighting for position in their respective conferences, though it’s Washington with the stronger form coming in.

The Flames have struggled to find rhythm this season, particularly against non-division opponents. Meanwhile, the Caps have been finding ways to win tight games, powered by their veteran leadership and resurgent goaltending. The line movement reflects that edge — but it’s not without risk. This isn’t a slam dunk road spot, and bettors will need to weigh value carefully.

Capitals vs Flames Odds

These are the current betting lines for Capitals vs Flames. As always, line movement could matter — check the latest NHL odds before placing any bets.

Team	Moneyline	Puck Line	Total
Washington Capitals	-139	-1.5 (+165)*	O/U 6.0 (-110)*
Calgary Flames	+118	+1.5 (-200)*	O/U 6.0 (-110)*

Capitals Betting Form

Washington has found some momentum lately, especially on the road. They’ve won four of their last five overall, and their 5-on-5 numbers have improved considerably. Alex Ovechkin has started scoring again, and their second line is generating offense off the rush more consistently. That balance has helped them close games late, even in tight, low-event matchups.

Defensively, they’re not elite, but Charlie Lindgren (or Darcy Kuemper, if he starts) has been giving them enough stability in net to weather most situations. Their penalty kill has also tightened up, which could prove key against a Flames team still trying to find chemistry on the power play.

The Washington Capitals stats and results page shows just how well they’ve been doing in one-goal games — that’s been a moneymaker on the moneyline. Just make sure to confirm health on the Washington Capitals injury report — they’ve had some blue line injuries that matter in close games.

Flames Betting Form

Calgary has been all over the map this season — good wins mixed in with stretches of sluggish play. They’re just 2–5 in their last seven and have failed to protect leads consistently. Their offense can click, especially when Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau are engaged, but inconsistency has defined this team from night to night.

Goaltending remains a mystery box. Jacob Markström has been shaky, and backup play hasn’t bailed them out. The Flames are allowing nearly 3.5 goals per game in their last ten — a troubling number when facing a Capitals squad that’s scoring more efficiently. Calgary’s power play hasn’t been much help either, ranking bottom-third in the league despite decent zone time.

Their full profile is visible on the Calgary Flames schedule and stats, and it’s clear: this team is tough to trust in close games. That makes the underdog price intriguing but high-risk. Keep tabs on the Calgary Flames injury report before puck drop — if top-pair defensemen are scratched again, this line could move.

Capitals vs Flames Matchup Breakdown

Washington brings the better structure, better goaltending, and a more reliable top line into this one. That gives them the edge in most matchups — particularly on special teams and in net. Calgary, on the other hand, has struggled to sustain momentum even when playing at home.

Key matchup angles:

• Goaltending: Edge Capitals, regardless of starter
• Special Teams: Caps’ PK has been solid; Flames’ PP underwhelming
• Even Strength: Close — but Washington’s top six has better chemistry right now
• Momentum: Caps trending up, Flames treading water

Calgary’s only edge here is travel — but it’s not a back-to-back for Washington, so that’s largely neutralized. Unless the Flames catch fire early and the Saddledome crowd gets behind them, it’s hard to see them dictating pace.

For more on reading matchup edges like this, check our NHL betting guide.

Capitals vs Flames Predictions and Best Bets

This is a reasonable spot to back the road favorite. Washington is simply the more trustworthy team right now. They’re deeper, more consistent, and getting better goaltending. At -139, you’re not getting a massive edge on price, but it’s fair given the matchup.

If you’re looking for a total angle, 6.0 feels about right. The Flames leak goals, but the Caps are happy to sit back and protect a lead. Slight lean Over 6 if you expect Calgary to push late or chase the game early. Still, it’s not a strong total play unless the number moves.

Best Bet: Washington Capitals moneyline (-139)

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