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Washington (25-21-7) at Seattle (23-19-9)
- When: Jan 27 2026, 10:00 PM
- Where: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA, USA
- TV: MNMT
Washington vs Seattle NHL Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Washington -140
Spread: Washington -1.5 (+180)
Total: 6.0
Capitals Trying to Look Alive Before Vacation
The Washington Capitals are entering that awkward part of the season where everyone is tired, the calendar feels endless, and the Olympic break is being counted down like a tropical getaway. The good news is Pierre Luc Dubois is back skating with full contact, which immediately lifted spirits even if nobody is fully sure when he will actually suit up. Dubois returning feels like seeing your friend pack sunscreen weeks before the trip. Encouraging, but not quite time to board the plane yet.
Washington desperately needs momentum. The Capitals are stuck in a rough patch, winning just once in their last six games, and every loss feels heavier than the last. Still, there were signs of life on the road. A win in Calgary followed by a wild overtime loss in Edmonton showed that this team is not completely out of gas. They just have a habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory at the worst possible moments.
Offensively, Washington looked sharp against Edmonton, scoring five goals and controlling long stretches of play. The problem was the final minute, which remains Washington’s personal horror movie. The Capitals know that if they bring that same energy to Seattle, they put themselves in position to steal two much needed points before heading further into road chaos.
Kraken Still Searching for Consistency
Seattle continues to resemble a team trying to remember where it left its confidence. The Kraken snapped a recent slump with a solid win over New Jersey, but consistency remains elusive. One night they look structured and aggressive, the next night they resemble a group trying to assemble furniture without instructions.
Jordan Eberle continues to be the steady veteran presence, while younger players like Matty Beniers and Berkly Catton are starting to show flashes that remind fans why optimism still exists. Catton finally scoring again felt like a dam breaking, even if nobody fully understands how the puck went in. Sometimes hockey just decides to be funny.
Seattle’s home ice has not been the fortress they hoped for this season, and defensive lapses remain an issue. When this team falls behind, the chase often becomes frantic instead of calculated, which plays right into Washington’s hands.
Betting Outlook and Prediction
Washington already handled Seattle comfortably earlier this season, and the matchup still favors the Capitals. Seattle’s inconsistency combined with Washington’s urgency gives the edge to the visitors. The total sits at six, and while goals should come, this feels more like a controlled game than a track meet.
Washington is simply more desperate, and desperate teams tend to tighten up defensively when they smell opportunity.
Score Prediction: Capitals 4, Kraken 2
Pick: Washington -1.5 (+180)
Total: Over 5.5 Alt Lines (-130)
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
