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Washington (24-19-6) at Colorado (33-5-8)
- When: Jan 19 2026, 4:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: TNT
Washington vs Colorado NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Colorado -225
Spread: Colorado -1.5 (+110)
Total: 6.5
Colorado Avalanche Breakdown
Colorado spent the first half of the season acting like the concept of losing was optional. Home ice felt sacred. Goals came in bunches. Opponents showed up knowing they were about to have a very long night at altitude. Then reality tapped the Avalanche on the shoulder and politely reminded them that even elite teams occasionally forget how to play defense for a week.
The recent dip has been noticeable but let’s not get dramatic. Colorado still sits comfortably atop the league standings while playing fewer games than anyone else. This is less crisis and more mild inconvenience. The coaching staff, however, is not amused. Defensive effort has slipped, details have gone missing, and the urgency has not matched expectations.
Injuries have not helped. Missing key leaders has forced other players into bigger roles, and not everyone has responded with enthusiasm. That said, this roster remains absurdly talented. They score more than anyone. They allow less than anyone. Nathan MacKinnon continues to play like a man late for an appointment with the scoring lead.
Colorado is a heavy moneyline favorite at minus two twenty five for a reason. A home loss snapped the streak. Pride is bruised. Motivation is high. This is the exact spot where elite teams tend to remind everyone who they are.
Washington Capitals Breakdown
Washington arrives in Denver looking like a team that knows something is wrong but cannot quite locate the instruction manual. The Capitals had a strong stretch earlier in the season and then abruptly misplaced it. Since then, wins have been harder to find and consistency has gone missing entirely.
Alex Ovechkin remains one of the most dangerous players to ever step on ice, but the supporting cast has not delivered enough help. Tom Wilson brings energy and scoring, John Carlson keeps things moving from the blue line, but the overall execution has been uneven. Some periods look sharp. Others look like everyone forgot the game plan during intermission.
The Capitals are starting a long road trip at the worst possible place. Denver is unforgiving when legs are tired and mistakes pile up. Washington wants to rediscover urgency, but urgency is difficult to summon when the opponent skates faster and shoots better.
Betting Breakdown and Prediction
Colorado is listed at -225 with the total set at 6.5. This number reflects trust in Colorado bouncing back rather than Washington suddenly fixing everything. The Avalanche at home usually respond aggressively after embarrassment.
Washington will have moments. Ovechkin will get looks. The Capitals will push early. But Colorado’s depth, pace, and offensive pressure should take over once the game opens up.
This feels like a statement game disguised as a Monday afternoon matchup.
Score Prediction: Avalanche 5, Capitals 2
Pick: Colorado -1.5 (+110)
Total: Over 6.5 (-112)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
