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Washington Capitals vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions – January 11, 2026
The Washington Capitals head to Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night to take on the Nashville Predators. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. Washington (25-15-2) is chasing top-three positioning in the Metro and has won five of its last seven. Nashville (20-20-4) sits in the middle of the Central, struggling to gain real momentum but still hanging in the Western Wild Card hunt.
Oddsmakers give the edge to the road team here, with the Capitals priced at -141 on the moneyline and the Predators at +118. Total is sitting at 6.0 flat, with slight juice toward the Over. Washington’s power play has been rolling, while Nashville’s defensive form has dipped — let’s break it down.
NHL Lines Before the Puck Drops
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Washington Capitals vs Nashville Predators Odds
These are the current odds available. Make sure to monitor movement using the latest NHL odds before betting.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | -141 | -1.5 (+174) | O 6.0 (-114) |
| Nashville Predators | +118 | +1.5 (-217) | U 6.0 (-108) |
Washington Capitals Betting Form
The Caps have leaned heavily on Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome lately, but it’s working. The top power-play unit is converting at over 25% in their last ten games, and Charlie Lindgren has emerged as the go-to in net, posting a .921 SV% over his last five starts. They’re playing with confidence, and more importantly, they’re closing out tight games.
On the road, Washington is 11-8-1 and tends to play a lower-event style that keeps totals in check. Still, when their PP gets chances, they often cash — and that could matter here against a Nashville PK that’s looked flat recently.
You can dive deeper into the Washington Capitals stats and results.
Check lineup status and scratches on the Washington Capitals injury report.
Nashville Predators Betting Form
Nashville has dropped four of its last six and continues to search for consistency at both ends. Juuse Saros hasn’t looked as sharp as usual, and the defensive structure in front of him hasn’t helped. Their PK has struggled against skilled teams, and that could be a key issue against Washington’s elite first unit.
Offensively, the Predators are relying too much on Filip Forsberg. They’ve been inconsistent on the power play and have trouble generating high-danger looks 5-on-5. At home, Nashville is 10-9-3, which doesn’t scream advantage, especially against a more experienced, confident Capitals team.
For stats, game logs, and more, check the Nashville Predators schedule and stats.
Be sure to review the Nashville Predators injury report for lineup updates.
Washington Capitals vs Nashville Predators Matchup Breakdown
This feels like a game where special teams could dictate everything. The Capitals’ PP is red-hot and has a big edge here. Nashville’s PK ranks in the bottom third and has allowed at least one PP goal in five of its last seven.
Goaltending is another factor. Saros is capable of stealing games, but he’s been off lately. Lindgren, meanwhile, is trending up. Add in Washington’s edge in finishing talent and experience in closing close games, and it tips the balance toward the Caps.
- PP vs PK: Clear edge to Washington
- Goaltending: Edge Washington (recent form)
- Road vs Home: Caps 11-8-1 away, Preds 10-9-3 at home
- Recent form: Washington 5-2 last 7, Nashville 2-4 last 6
If the Caps control the tempo and get a couple of early chances on the man advantage, this game could tilt quickly.
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Washington Capitals vs Nashville Predators Predictions and Best Bets
Washington deserves to be favored here. They’ve been more consistent, have better special teams, and hold the edge in net right now. At -141, there’s still some value on the moneyline, especially if Lindgren starts. The puck line at +174 is aggressive, but not out of reach — the Predators have failed to cover in three straight home games.
As for the total, 6.0 feels fair. Washington plays a tighter style on the road, and unless Nashville scores early, this one could trend toward the Under. Still, with Ovechkin and the PP in form, I’d lean Over 6.0 slightly, but not strong enough to bet.
Best Bet: Washington Capitals moneyline (-141)
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