Anaheim Ducks vs. Washington Capitals Pick and Prediction for Monday January 5, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Anaheim Ducks are traveling to Washington to face the Capitals at Capital One Arena. The game has a puck drop time of 7:00 PM and will be available for fans to stream on ESPN+. This cross-country matchup features two teams looking to gain traction in their respective divisions as the NHL season moves into the new year. For more great NHL picks, find our free NHL picks.
Anaheim Looks to End Slump on the Road
The Anaheim Ducks enter Monday’s contest with a season record of 21-17-3.3 They have found success difficult to come by lately, entering this matchup on a five-game losing streak. In their most recent outing on January 2, the Ducks fell 5-2 at home to the Minnesota Wild. During this current skid, they have struggled to find the win column despite several close contests, including an overtime loss to Tampa Bay on New Year's Eve. On the road this season, Anaheim has remained competitive with a 9-9-2 record.
Statistically, the Ducks have been productive offensively, ranking 6th in the league with an average of 3.29 goals per game. However, their defensive play has been a concern, as they allow an average of 3.56 goals against (32nd in the NHL). Their power play is currently converting at a 16.9% rate, while their penalty kill stands at 75.6%.7 Anaheim averages 30.9 shots on goal per game and allows 28.6 to their opponents.
In the crease, the Ducks rely on L. Dostal, who has earned 13 wins, 10 losses, and 2 overtime losses with a 3.22 GAA and an .887 save percentage. He is supported by P. Mrazek, who has recorded 3 wins and 4 losses in 7 appearances, posting a 3.78 GAA and an .865 save percentage.
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Frank Vatrano (RW): IR - Est. Return Feb 25
Capitals Aim to Protect Home Ice
The Washington Capitals return to action with a 21-15-6 record on the year. They have been solid at Capital One Arena, posting a 12-7-3 record in front of their home crowd. Washington is looking to bounce back from a 3-2 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on January 3. Over their last five games, the Capitals have gone 2-3, including a high-scoring 6-3 victory over the New York Rangers on December 31.
The Capitals' team stats show a balanced approach, averaging 3.21 goals for and 2.76 goals against per game. Their power play has been a bit of a struggle, ranking near the bottom of the league at 15.8%, but they maintain a respectable 76.3% success rate on the penalty kill. Washington averages 29.4 shots per game and limits opponents to 27.9 shots per contest.
The goaltending tandem for Washington features L. Thompson and C. Lindgren. Thompson has been the primary starter, posting 15 wins, 11 losses, and 4 overtime losses with a 2.37 GAA and a .915 save percentage. Lindgren has provided reliable depth with 6 wins, 4 losses, and 2 overtime losses, carrying a 3.07 GAA and an .887 save percentage.
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Aliaksei Protas (C): Day-To-Day - Est. Return Jan 5
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Tom Wilson (RW): Day-To-Day - Est. Return Jan 5
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Pierre-Luc Dubois (LW): IR - Est. Return Mar 9
Analysis & Betting Picks
Moneyline: Washington Capitals (-162)
The Capitals have been a strong home team this season and face a Ducks squad that is currently reeling from a five-game losing streak.12 While Anaheim won the previous meeting in a shootout, Washington’s defensive structure and superior goaltending give them the edge at home. Expect the Capitals to capitalize on Anaheim’s defensive lapses to secure the win.
Total: Under 6.5 (-120)
While both teams have the ability to score, the goaltending of L. Thompson has been elite for Washington, often keeping games low-scoring. Anaheim's offense has cooled off during their losing streak, and Washington has trended toward the under in recent home games. This matchup likely settles into a 4-2 or 3-1 type of score, staying under the total.
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