Washington (33-11-5) at Calgary (24-17-7)
- When: Jan 28 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB, CAN
- TV: ESPN+
Game Preview
The Washington Capitals hit the road to take on the Calgary Flames in what promises to be an exciting matchup on Tuesday night. With the Capitals favored at -140 on the moneyline and the total set at 5.5, there are plenty of opportunities for bettors to find value in this clash.
Washington Capitals Analysis
The Capitals enter this matchup atop the Eastern Conference standings, fresh off a 2-1 loss to Vancouver that snapped their six-game winning streak and 12-game point streak (9-0-3). Despite the loss, Washington showed resilience, outshooting the Canucks 33-25 and dominating the final two periods. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery emphasized the importance of battling inside for scoring opportunities, a lesson the team will look to apply in Calgary.
Goaltender Logan Thompson, who recently signed a six-year contract extension, could get the start in his hometown. Thompson has been a rock for Washington this season with a stellar 22-2-3 record and a 2.09 goals-against average. Washington’s defense has also been a strong point, making the Under 5.5 a solid betting option in this game.
Offensively, Dylan Strome and Alex Ovechkin lead the charge. Strome has been a key contributor recently, and Ovechkin remains a constant threat, especially against Calgary’s defense, which has shown vulnerability in critical moments.
Calgary Flames Analysis
The Flames return home after a 5-2 loss to Winnipeg, a game that ended their three-game winning streak. Calgary found themselves competitive for much of the contest but fell victim to costly breakdowns, including late-period goals and a pair of power-play strikes by the Jets. Head coach Ryan Huska praised his team’s effort but acknowledged the need to clean up defensive lapses against elite opponents like Washington.
Calgary is clinging to the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference and will play seven of their next eight games at home, a crucial stretch to solidify their playoff hopes. Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar emphasized the team’s character and work ethic, but they’ll need to find more consistency to keep pace with the Capitals.
The Flames will rely on strong performances from Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau to generate offense. However, facing Washington’s defensive structure and a likely sharp Logan Thompson in net will be a tough challenge.
Key Matchups & Trends
Capitals Defense vs. Flames Offense: Washington’s strong defensive play, coupled with Thompson’s elite goaltending, gives them the edge in limiting Calgary’s scoring chances.
Calgary at Home: The Flames have an opportunity to turn things around at home, but their recent inconsistency makes them a riskier bet.
Scoring Efficiency: With both teams struggling to convert on high-quality chances recently, the Under 5.5 looks promising.
Betting Predictions
This matchup tilts in favor of the Capitals, who have been the more consistent team on both ends of the ice. Their strong goaltending and ability to control possession make them the safer pick to secure a road win. Meanwhile, Calgary’s defensive issues and inconsistency will likely hold them back.
Best Bets:
Washington -140 (The Capitals’ depth and defensive structure should secure the win.)
Under 5.5 (Both teams’ recent scoring struggles and Washington’s defense point to a low-scoring game.)
Final Score Prediction: Washington 3, Calgary 2
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
