Washington Capitals vs Chicago Blackhawks Pick and Prediction for Friday January 9 2025
Use Code WWWC The Washington Capitals travel to the United Center to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, January 9, 2026. This 8:00 PM EST matchup, airing on NHL Network, features a Blackhawks team riding a four-game winning streak and looking to complete a season sweep of the Capitals after a 3-2 shootout victory on January 3. For expert analysis and daily wagering insights on the full slate of NHL action, be sure to check out the latest free NHL picks over at Winners and Whiners.
Washington Capitals Navigating Key Injuries
The Capitals enter this contest with a 22-16-6 record, currently holding a competitive spot in the Metropolitan Division. Washington’s offense has been reliable, averaging 3.25 goals per game, but they are currently missing their primary engine. Tom Wilson, the team’s leader in both goals (22) and points (42), is OUT for tonight's game as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury sustained in the previous meeting with Chicago.
The Capitals are also monitoring Aliaksei Protas, who is listed as day-to-day and remains a game-time decision after missing recent action. Long-term, the team continues to be without Pierre-Luc Dubois, who is on Injured Reserve and not expected back until March. In goal, the Capitals are expected to start Logan Thompson, who has been a standout this season with a 2.40 GAA and a .915 save percentage.
Chicago Blackhawks Surge During "Bedard Watch"
The Blackhawks (18-18-7) have found their stride recently, moving to .500 on the season thanks to a four-game winning streak. While the team has been efficient during this stretch, all eyes are on the status of their superstar. Connor Bedard, who leads the team with 44 points, is currently on Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury but has been skating and is officially listed with an estimated return date of January 9.7 If he is cleared to play, it would provide a massive boost to a Chicago power play already operating at a healthy 23.0%.
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Chicago’s defensive unit is still missing veteran Ryan Ellis, who remains on Injured Reserve, and Shea Weber, who is on LTIR. However, the Blackhawks have received stable goaltending from Spencer Knight, who has a 2.62 GAA and will likely get the nod tonight.8 Rookie Frank Nazar remains out until late February with an upper-body injury.
Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks Prediction
This game rests heavily on the availability of the stars. With Tom Wilson confirmed out for Washington, the Capitals lose their most physical presence and top finisher. Chicago, conversely, is at the tail end of several injury timelines. Even if Bedard does not return tonight, the Blackhawks have played disciplined hockey during their win streak, specifically on the penalty kill (84.4%), which matches up well against a struggling Capitals power play.
Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks ATS Pick
- Pick: Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (-192)
The Blackhawks have been "puck line masters" lately, keeping games close or winning outright as underdogs. They already proved they can stifle the Capitals' offense in their shootout win a week ago. With the United Center crowd behind them and the potential return of their franchise player, Chicago is well-positioned to at least keep this a one-goal game against a Wilson-less Washington squad.
Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks Total Pick
- Pick: Under 5.5 (+114)
History and current trends point to a low-scoring battle. Their previous meeting this month ended in a 2-2 tie after regulation. Both Logan Thompson and Spencer Knight are playing at an elite level, and the Under has hit in four of Washington's last six road games. At plus money, the Under 5.5 offers excellent value for a game likely to be decided by defensive structure and goaltending.
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