Washington Capitals vs Ottawa Senators Prediction, Picks & Odds | 01 Jan 2026

NHL Betting Preview: Capitals vs Senators

The Washington Capitals clash with the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre, with face-off scheduled for 14:00 on Thursday, January 1.

We think odds of -141 are really generous when it comes to Over 5.5 on the totals. The Capitals and the Senators can combine to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Washington Capitals claimed a home victory in their previous game. A 6-3 win occurred against New York Rangers at Capital One Arena. Tom Wilson landed 3 points, featuring 2 goals and 1 assist.

Ottawa Senators have lost on their last three outings. In a recent home game at Canadian Tire Centre, they were turned over 4-1 by Columbus Blue Jackets. Sens had 28 shots and Jake Sanderson scored the only goal.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The Sens beat the Caps when the teams last met. It was a 7-1 scoreline at Capital One Arena. The previous 10 games featuring these teams have resulted in six Sens victories.

Starting Goalies

Logan Thompson (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	24-19-6	2.4	.914	2
23/24	25-14-3	2.7	.908	1

Leevi Merilainen (Confirmed)

Season	W-L-OTL:	GAA:	SV%:	SO:
24/25	8-10-1	3.5	.860	0

3 wins, 5 losses and 2 overtime losses, averaging 2.7 goals from 28.2 shots on goal, with a 13.8% powerplay efficiency. The Caps have been giving up 3.8 goals from 30.9 shots, averaging 3.4 penalties with a penalty-killing efficiency of 79.4%.

Alexei Protas is the top points scorer with 10 points, 5 goals and 5 assists, with Tom Wilson racking up 8 points, 4 goals and 4 assists, over the last 10 games. Goalie Logan Thompson have a 3.39 goal against average with a .892 save percentage, including one shutout.

The Sens have 5 wins, 4 losses and 1 overtime loss, averaging 3.8 goals from 31.3 shots on goal, with a 23.4% powerplay efficiency. They have conceded 3.2 goals from 25.7 shots, averaging 4.1 penalties per game with a penalty-killing efficiency of 85.4%.

The top points scorer is Tim Stutzle with 17 points, 8 goals and 9 assists, while Drake Batherson is next in line after registering 13 points, 5 goals and 8 assists. Goalie Linus Ullmark have a 2.79 GAA with a .892 SV%, including one shutout.

Washington Capitals vs Ottawa Senators Prediction & Picks

Get the edge with our Washington Capitals vs Ottawa Senators betting tips: a trusted match prediction, likely correct score outcome, key player prop picks and an expert-crafted bet builder.

Game Prediction

We’ve found some value for this NHL encounter as we expect the lamp to be lit at least six times. It means that Overs could be on the cards and that is available at -141.

The hockey predictions at Sportsgambler.com are always guided by the latest team news, injury updates and overall form. Once we've reviewed that, we dive into the most relevant NHL stats to confidently recommend every pick.

Key Capitals vs Senators stats:

• The 5.5 line has been covered in the last 4 Capitals games.
• The 5.5 line has been covered in 13 of the last 20 Capitals games.
• The 5.5 line has been covered in 6 of the last 10 Capitals games.
• The 5.5 line has been covered in 3 of the last 5 Senators games.
• The 5.5 line has been covered in 11 of the last 20 Senators games at home.
• The 5.5 line has been covered in the last 3 games between these teams.

Over 5.5 Probability

The best betting sites are estimating that there is a 58.5% likelihood of this pick winning. Taking all factors into consideration, our analysts think there’s a stronger chance of success and have a probability interval between 65-70%. This hockey wager can therefore be backed with confidence.

It’s possible to increase the odds on your Over bet by combining it with other picks. A Bet Builder gives you the flexibility to make a number of other selections for the same game.

Maximize your first bet with the latest betting promotions. Our guide covers all the top welcome bonuses out there.

Our Game Prediction

Over 5.5 Goals @ -141 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Dec 31, 19:56). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Jakob Chychrun Over 2.5 Shots -175

Jakob Chychrun (Capitals) has fired Over 2.5 shots on goal in 5 straight games on the road. We’re expecting history to repeat itself and for him to cover the Shots on Goal line at odds of -175.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Capitals 3 - 5 Senators

There’s the option to wager on the Senators to win by a 5-3 scoreline. Odds of +2200 are on offer and this is a correct score bet that should provide plenty of entertainment.

Latest Correct Score Odds

Score

Capitals

Senators

1-0

Capitals

+5500

Senators

+5000

2-0

Capitals

+5000

Senators

+4500

2-1

Capitals

+1500

Senators

+1300

3-0

Capitals

+4000

Senators

+2900

3-1

Capitals

+2000

Senators

+1700

3-2

Capitals

+900

Senators

+800

4-0

Capitals

+5000

Senators

+3400

4-1

Capitals

+1900

Senators

+1400

4-2

Capitals

+1800

Senators

+1400

4-3

Capitals

+1100

Senators

+950

5-0

Capitals

+9000

Senators

+6000

5-1

Capitals

+3400

Senators

+2200

5-2

Capitals

+2000

Senators

+1500

5-3

Capitals

+2500

Senators

+2200

5-4

Capitals

+2200

Senators

+1900

6-0

Capitals

+14000

Senators

+9000

6-1

Capitals

+8000

Senators

+5000

6-2

Capitals

+4000

Senators

+2800

6-3

Capitals

+3500

Senators

+2800

6-4

Capitals

+5500

Senators

+4500

6-5

Capitals

+5000

Senators

+5000

7-0

Capitals

+5000

Senators

+13000

7-1

Capitals

+13000

Senators

+8000

7-2

Capitals

+11000

Senators

+7000

7-3

Capitals

+7500

Senators

+5000

7-4

Capitals

+7500

Senators

+6000

7-5

Capitals

+12000

Senators

+10000

7-6

Capitals

+12000

Senators

+11000

8-1

Capitals

+12000

Senators

+13000

8-2

Capitals

+12000

Senators

+12000

8-3

Capitals

+12000

Senators

+12000

8-4

Capitals

+14000

Senators

+11000

8-5

Capitals

+14000

Senators

+14000

View More

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Washington Capitals vs Ottawa Senators Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

Sportsbooks’ favorites Ottawa Senators are regarded as likeliest victors for this game and the -145 about them triumphing means a 59% chance based on their current Moneyline betting odds. For those wanting to back Washington Capitals, you will find +120 about the underdogs.

The puck line stands at 1.5 and the total goals line is 5.5. Hockey fans love the chance to get an alternative angle by going for a Totals wager. There’s an opportunity to bet Over 5.5 at -130.

There are a huge selection of game lines and team props when it comes to betting on this popular league and we recommend visiting the best NHL sportsbooks to find the wager that matches your view on the clash.

Moneyline

Capitals

+120

Senators

-145

3-Way Moneyline

Capitals

+195

Tie

+310

Senators

+110

Puck Line

Capitals +1.5

-208

Senators -1.5

+168

Total Goals

Under 5.5

+106

Over 5.5

-130

If you have a view on Goaltender Saves, Blocked Shots, Powerplay Points or Goals, then the player and goalie props could be an option. It’s a great way of betting on a player to perform well and the gambling sites provide lots of interesting options.

Instead of focusing on the overall outcome, some bettors prefer to look at the NHL micro betting lines. As the name suggests, it means placing short-term wagers and this might include the Next Goalscorer or Next Goal.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Washington Capitals Stats

Ottawa Senators Stats

Moneyline

• 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games
• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
• 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 home games

Puck Line

• +1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 5 of the last 10 games
• +1.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the +1.5 puck line in 7 of the last 10 games on the road

Puck Line

• -1.5 Betting Line: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 4 of the last 10 games
• -1.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the -1.5 puck line in 3 of the last 10 home games

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 6.60 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 6.70 goals in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 5.5: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 on the Road: Covered in 6 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 2.70 goals and allowed 3.90 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 3.50 pts and allowed 3.20 goals in the last 10 games on the road

Total Goals

• Game Totals: An average of 7.00 goals in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 5.40 goals in the previous 10 home games
• Over 5.5: Covered in 5 of the previous 10 games
• Over 5.5 at Home: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 3.80 goals and allowed 3.20 goals in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 2.60 goals and allowed 2.80 goals in the last 10 home games

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 0.4
• Shots: 28.2
• Goals Shorthanded: 0
• Penalties: 3.4
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 7.6
• Blocks: 15.5
• Faceoff Wins : 27.3
• Hits: 18.2
• Giveaways: 13.8
• Takeaways: 3.6

Last 10 Games on the Road

• Goals Powerplay: 0.7
• Shots: 27.5
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3.9
• Empty Net Goals: 0.4
• Penalty Minutes: 8.1
• Blocks: 12.4
• Faceoff Wins : 27.5
• Hits: 17.3
• Giveaways: 13.8
• Takeaways: 4.3

Team Stats - Avg/Game

Last 10 Games

• Goals Powerplay: 1.1
• Shots: 31.3
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 4.1
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 11.8
• Blocks: 13.9
• Faceoff Wins : 31.7
• Hits: 23.8
• Giveaways: 14.4
• Takeaways: 4.5

Last 10 Home Games

• Goals Powerplay: 1
• Shots: 29.5
• Goals Shorthanded: 0.1
• Penalties: 3.2
• Empty Net Goals: 0.1
• Penalty Minutes: 7
• Blocks: 15.8
• Faceoff Wins : 29.6
• Hits: 22.4
• Giveaways: 12.2
• Takeaways: 4.5

Injuries & Suspensions

Starting Lineups

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