Capitals vs Blackhawks Prediction — AI Finds CAN'T MISS NHL Lines & Props (Jan 09)
Updated: 2026-01-07T03:31:50.923562ZBy Remi at Leans.AI — AI picks for ATS, ML, OU & props
The Washington Capitals travel to the United Center on January 9, 2026, to face the Chicago Blackhawks in a mid-season NHL clash that pits a struggling but dangerous Capitals squad against a surging Blackhawks team riding recent momentum. Washington enters as the favorite, but Chicago has tasted recent success against the Caps, including a shootout victory earlier in January.
Get key insights, betting trends, and AI-powered predictions to help incorporate into your betting strategies.
GAME INFO
Date: Jan 09, 2026
Start Time: 9:00 PM EST
Venue: United Center
Blackhawks Record: (18-18)
Capitals Record: (22-16)
OPENING ODDS
WSH Moneyline: -149
CHI Moneyline: +125
WSH Spread: -1.5
CHI Spread: +1.5
Over/Under: 5.5
WSH
Betting Trends
- The Capitals have been strong as the road favorite, going 4-1 in their last five such games according to recent betting trends.
CHI
Betting Trends
- The Blackhawks have been solid in Friday home games with an “Over” trend of 9-3-1 in their last 13 as a home favorite, though they are underdogs in this matchup.
MATCHUP TRENDS
- Despite Washington’s overall offensive strength, Chicago’s recent games have trended toward under outcomes, and both teams have shown volatility relative to totals — Capitals games have gone “Over” in 4 of their last 8 Friday matchups while Blackhawks “Under” trends emerge when favored.
WSH vs. CHI
Best Prop Bet
- Remi's searched hard and found the best prop for this matchup: A. Beauvillier over 1.5 Shots on Goal.
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Washington vs Chicago Prediction & Odds:
Free NHL Betting Insights for 1/9/26
The upcoming clash between the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center promises to be a compelling mid‑season battle between two teams at different inflection points of their 2025‑26 campaigns. Washington enters with a solid offensive profile, averaging around 3.25 goals per game this season and boasting one of the better goal differentials in the league, underpinned by strong scoring from key contributors like Tom Wilson and underlying depth that can tilt momentum when clicking. The Capitals have been inconsistent of late but have shown flashes of their high‑ceiling potential, as evidenced by a recent offensive explosion in a 7‑4 victory over Anaheim that helped halt a small skid. Conversely, Chicago comes into this matchup riding positive momentum with a multi‑game winning streak and a notable 7‑3 triumph over the St. Louis Blues in their latest outing that highlighted the Blackhawks’ improved special teams and confidence in execution. Chicago’s offense has been inconsistent at times, but with contributors such as Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen finding chemistry and goaltender Spencer Knight delivering timely saves, they’ve crafted recent success and the morale boost of a shootout victory over Washington earlier in the month.
Head‑to‑head history leans slightly toward Washington overall, but recent meetings show Chicago is capable of competing tight games and exploiting opportunities, particularly at home where crowd energy can swing momentum. Special teams could be a deciding factor: Washington’s power play has struggled at times and lacks consistency, while Chicago’s penalty kill and opportunistic even‑strength scoring have been bright spots. Ultimately, this game likely hinges on which club sustains its recent strength — Washington’s depth scoring and experience or Chicago’s momentum, balanced play, and hungry, opportunistic attack — making it an engaging contest for bettors and hockey fans alike.
Get live NHL odds and precise AI NHL picks, predictions, and cover probabilities.
Scored you a slice 🍕 pic.twitter.com/NDKhyI7KXt
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 8, 2026
Washington Capitals NHL Preview
The Washington Capitals come into this road meeting with Chicago carrying both optimism and clear areas of concern as they navigate the mid‑season schedule. Through the first half of the 2025‑26 campaign, Washington has put together a respectable 22‑15‑6 record and sits in a playoff‑contending position in the Metropolitan Division, thanks largely to a balanced attack that has generated 142 goals while keeping opponents to 120. Despite that overall solidity, the Caps have been somewhat streaky — alternating flashes of offensive firepower with stretches of inconsistency — a pattern that has shown up in recent games. In their latest outings, Washington fell 4‑1 at home to the high‑powered Dallas Stars, struggling to get consistent scoring opportunities and failing to capitalize on power plays, while earlier they enjoyed a 7‑4 win over Anaheim where offensive depth and opportunistic finishing carried the day. This combo of highs and lows underscores a squad capable of scoring in bunches when its top forwards click, but also vulnerable when chances are limited and execution slips. Offensively, Washington has balanced contributions.
Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome have paced scoring, and goaltender Logan Thompson — with a solid .915 save percentage and a goals‑against average in the mid‑2.30s — has provided reliable netminding. However, the team’s power play remains a work in progress, ranking near the bottom of the league and undermining opportunities to seize momentum or extend leads. This deficiency will be particularly important in Chicago, where the Blackhawks’ penalty kill has been disruptive at times and could stifle the Caps’ attack if Washington can’t generate sustained zone time. Defensively, Washington’s recent form suggests some lapses and a need for tighter play across all lines. Chicago’s ability to win loose pucks and dictate pace at home could put pressure on the Capitals’ defense and challenge Thompson early and often. Ultimately, Washington’s success in this road test will hinge on its ability to marry offensive firepower with disciplined structure — if they can do that, they remain well positioned to grab a crucial win in hostile territory.
Credit: USA TODAY/IMAGN
Chicago Blackhawks NHL Preview
The Chicago Blackhawks enter their January 9 home matchup against the Washington Capitals riding a wave of momentum that has reignited optimism among their fanbase despite a middling overall record this season. Chicago has hovered around a .500 mark through the first half of the 2025‑26 campaign, with an 18‑18‑7 record that reflects both the team’s inconsistencies and its ability to rise to the occasion against stronger opponents. Recent results, however, signal a team finding its rhythm, including a multi‑game winning streak capped by a 7‑3 victory over the St. Louis Blues and a dramatic shootout win against the Capitals earlier in the month. These performances highlight the Blackhawks’ growing offensive cohesion, particularly from stars like Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, and an emerging secondary scoring line capable of creating high‑danger chances in transition and in the slot. At home in the United Center, Chicago has been competitive, posting a 10‑8‑4 record and leveraging both the energy of the crowd and an improved defensive structure. Goaltender Spencer Knight has been a key component, providing dependable netminding and the confidence necessary for the team to engage in aggressive forechecking and controlled zone entries.
The Blackhawks’ penalty kill ranks among the league’s best, offering a strong counterbalance to Washington’s potent power play and creating opportunities for momentum‑shifting shorthanded goals. Chicago’s home ice advantage will be amplified if they can limit turnovers, control rebounds, and sustain puck possession, especially against a Capitals squad that thrives on pace and depth scoring. The matchup against Washington represents a test of the Blackhawks’ defensive discipline, offensive creativity, and ability to capitalize on special teams opportunities. If they continue to execute at even strength, maintain confidence in goaltending, and exploit their home-ice edge, Chicago has a strong chance to extend its recent success and claim an upset. Ultimately, the game is an opportunity for the Blackhawks to prove that recent positive trends are more than temporary flashes and that they can compete with top-tier teams even on high-stakes nights.
we have assigned Ethan Del Mastro to @goicehogs.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 8, 2026
📰 ➡︎ https://t.co/BwxkOMzXig pic.twitter.com/dDCXlbsJ7H
Washington vs Chicago Prop Picks (AI)
Remi is pouring through loads of datapoints on each player. In fact, anytime the Capitals and Blackhawks play there’s always several intriguing angles to key in on. Not to mention games played at United Center in Jan seemingly never follow normal, predictable betting trends.
Washington vs Chicago Prediction (AI)
Remi, our AI sports wizard, has been pouring over tons of data from every simulation between the Capitals and Blackhawks and using recursive machine learning and cutting-edge AI to crunch the data to a single cover probability.
The Algorithm has been most fixated on the linear correlation of factor human bettors often put on coaching factors between a Capitals team going up against a possibly strong Blackhawks team. In reality, the true game analytics might reflect a slight lean against one Vegas line in particular.
Unlock this in-depth AI prediction and all of our NHL AI picks for FREE now.
Below is our current AI Washington vs Chicago picks, computer picks Capitals vs Blackhawks, best bets, model edges, confidence ratings.
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DATE | GAME | LEAN | %WIN | UNITS | LEVEL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACTIVE PICKS LOCKED - SEE NOW | ||||||
These picks update as information changes—injury reports, and market movement. Each line shows our model’s fair price, the edge versus the market, and a unit confidence rating (1–10). Odds and availability vary by sportsbook and time. Edges are computed against the listed price; value may change after line moves. Always shop for the best number. See the full NHL schedule.
Washington Betting Trends
The Capitals have been strong as the road favorite, going 4-1 in their last five such games according to recent betting trends.
Chicago Betting Trends
The Blackhawks have been solid in Friday home games with an “Over” trend of 9-3-1 in their last 13 as a home favorite, though they are underdogs in this matchup.
Capitals vs. Blackhawks Matchup Trends
Despite Washington’s overall offensive strength, Chicago’s recent games have trended toward under outcomes, and both teams have shown volatility relative to totals — Capitals games have gone “Over” in 4 of their last 8 Friday matchups while Blackhawks “Under” trends emerge when favored.
Washington vs. Chicago Game Info
Washington vs Chicago starts on January 09, 2026 at 9:00 PM EST.
Venue: United Center.
Spread: Chicago +1.5
Moneyline: Washington -149, Chicago +125
Over/Under: 5.5
Washington: (22-16) | Chicago: (18-18)
Remi's searched hard and found the best prop for this matchup: A. Beauvillier over 1.5 Shots on Goal.. Prices move—always shop for the best number.
Despite Washington’s overall offensive strength, Chicago’s recent games have trended toward under outcomes, and both teams have shown volatility relative to totals — Capitals games have gone “Over” in 4 of their last 8 Friday matchups while Blackhawks “Under” trends emerge when favored.
WSH trend: The Capitals have been strong as the road favorite, going 4-1 in their last five such games according to recent betting trends.
CHI trend: The Blackhawks have been solid in Friday home games with an “Over” trend of 9-3-1 in their last 13 as a home favorite, though they are underdogs in this matchup.
See our latest NHL picks and odds pages for 2026 to compare prices before you bet.
Washington vs. Chicago Odds
AI algorithm Remi is pouring through loads of data points on each player. In fact, anytime the Washington vs Chicago trends are analyzed, there’s always several intriguing trends to key in on. Not to mention games played at extreme travel distance seemingly never follow normal, predictable betting trends.
| WSH Moneyline | -149 |
|---|---|
| CHI Moneyline | +125 |
| WSH Spread | -1.5 |
| CHI Spread | +1.5 |
| Over / Under | 5.5 |
Washington vs Chicago Live Odds
| Games | PTS | ML | SPR | O/U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:00PM EST
Los Angeles Kings
Winnipeg Jets
1/9/26 8PM
Kings
Jets
|
–
–
|
-130
+105
|
-1.5 (+190)
+1.5 (-245)
|
O 5.5 (-120)
U 5.5 (-105)
|
|
|
Jan 9, 2026 8:00PM EST
Washington Capitals
Chicago Blackhawks
1/9/26 8PM
Capitals
Blackhawks
|
–
–
|
-137
+110
|
-1.5 (+180)
+1.5 (-230)
|
O 6 (-112)
U 6 (-112)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 1:00PM EST
New York Rangers
Boston Bruins
1/10/26 1PM
Rangers
Bruins
|
–
–
|
+102
-127
|
+1.5 (-238)
-1.5 (+195)
|
O 5.5 (-130)
U 5.5 (+110)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 3:30PM EST
Calgary Flames
Pittsburgh Penguins
1/10/26 3:30PM
Flames
Penguins
|
–
–
|
+115
-143
|
+1.5 (-230)
-1.5 (+190)
|
O 6.5 (+110)
U 6.5 (-130)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 4:00PM EST
Columbus Blue Jackets
Colorado Avalanche
1/10/26 4PM
Blue Jackets
Avalanche
|
–
–
|
+250
-335
|
+1.5 (-110)
-1.5 (-110)
|
O 6.5 (-115)
U 6.5 (-105)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 4:00PM EST
Dallas Stars
San Jose Sharks
1/10/26 4PM
Stars
Sharks
|
–
–
|
-205
+163
|
-1.5 (+136)
+1.5 (-162)
|
O 6.5 (-110)
U 6.5 (-110)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 7:00PM EST
Seattle Kraken
Carolina Hurricanes
1/10/26 7PM
Kraken
Hurricanes
|
–
–
|
+200
-265
|
+1.5 (+100)
-1.5 (-120)
|
O 5.5 (-130)
U 5.5 (+110)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 7:00PM EST
Vancouver Canucks
Toronto Maple Leafs
1/10/26 7PM
Canucks
Maple Leafs
|
–
–
|
+163
-205
|
+1.5 (-198)
-1.5 (+164)
|
O 5.5 (-142)
U 5.5 (+120)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 7:00PM EST
Tampa Bay Lightning
Philadelphia Flyers
1/10/26 7PM
Lightning
Flyers
|
–
–
|
-152
+123
|
-1.5 (+180)
+1.5 (-218)
|
O 5.5 (-135)
U 5.5 (+114)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 7:00PM EST
Detroit Red Wings
Montreal Canadiens
1/10/26 7PM
Red Wings
Canadiens
|
–
–
|
+110
|
+1.5 (-245)
|
O 6.5 (+105)
U 6.5 (-125)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 7:00PM EST
Florida Panthers
Ottawa Senators
1/10/26 7PM
Panthers
Senators
|
–
–
|
-113
-110
|
+1.5 (-245)
-1.5 (+200)
|
O 6.5 (+110)
U 6.5 (-130)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 7:00PM EST
Anaheim Ducks
Buffalo Sabres
1/10/26 7PM
Ducks
Sabres
|
–
–
|
+140
-175
|
+1.5 (-218)
-1.5 (+180)
|
O 6.5 (-115)
U 6.5 (-105)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 8:00PM EST
New York Islanders
Minnesota Wild
1/10/26 8PM
Islanders
Wild
|
–
–
|
+143
-180
|
+1.5 (-155)
-1.5 (+130)
|
O 5.5 (-130)
U 5.5 (+110)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 8:00PM EST
Chicago Blackhawks
Nashville Predators
1/10/26 8PM
Blackhawks
Predators
|
–
–
|
+165
-215
|
+1.5 (-142)
-1.5 (+120)
|
O 6.5 (+110)
U 6.5 (-130)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 10:00PM EST
St Louis Blues
Las Vegas Golden Knights
1/10/26 10PM
Blues
Golden Knights
|
–
–
|
+190
|
+1.5 (-130)
|
O 5.5 (-130)
U 5.5 (+110)
|
|
|
Jan 10, 2026 10:00PM EST
Los Angeles Kings
Edmonton Oilers
1/10/26 10PM
Kings
Oilers
|
–
–
|
+133
-167
|
+1.5 (-175)
-1.5 (+145)
|
O 6.5 (+114)
U 6.5 (-135)
|
NHL Past Picks
Remi—our in-house AI—prices every game and prop using multi-season priors, tempo/efficiency, injury/usage signals, and market movement.
We publish fair prices, recommended “buy-to” numbers, and confidence so you can bet prices, not teams.
This preview covers Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks on January 09, 2026 at United Center.
Odds shown reflect widely available numbers and may update closer to kickoff.
Want more? Check live edges, player props, and line moves on our NHL odds pages, and compare prices before you place a bet.
|
NHL |
LEAN | %WIN | UNITS | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WPG@TOR | TOR -133 | 58.8% | 4 | WIN |
| MIN@SJ | SJ +150 | 47.4% | 1 | WIN |
| WAS@FLA | FLA -118 | 56.6% | 3 | WIN |
| MIN@WPG | MIN -113 | 55.1% | 4 | WIN |
| PHI@CHI | PHI -125 | 56.1% | 4 | WIN |
| DAL@DET | DAL -125 | 58.0% | 6 | LOSS |
| ANA@CLB | ZACH WERENSKI OVER 1.5 BLOCKS | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| NSH@STL | NSH -105 | 53.3% | 3 | WIN |
| OTT@WPG | OVER 5.5 | 54.0% | 3 | LOSS |
| TB@NYI | TB -130 | 60.9% | 6 | LOSS |
| LV@NYI | NYI +120 | 46.1% | 1 | WIN |
| BUF@CGY | OVER 5.5 | 52.2% | 1 | WIN |
| MIN@CGY | MIN -115 | 56.5% | 6 | LOSS |
| PIT@TB | UNDER 6.5 | 54.8% | 3 | LOSS |
| TOR@FLA | OVER 6 | 53.8% | 3 | PUSH |
| MON@LV | OVER 6 | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| PHI@FLA | SAM BENNETT UNDER 2.5 SHOTS ON GOAL | 54.1% | 4 | LOSS |
| BOS@NYI | MATHEW BARZAL OVER 0.5 ASSTS | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| CLB@WAS | OVER 6.5 | 54.2% | 3 | LOSS |
| CLB@DET | DET -135 | 67.0% | 6 | WIN |
| STL@PHI | UNDER 5.5 | 54.6% | 4 | WIN |
| CAR@MIN | OVER 6 | 56.4% | 4 | WIN |
| PHI@STL | JORDAN BINNINGTON UNDER 22.5 SAVES | 54.4% | 4 | LOSS |
| CLB@SEA | CLB +110 | 44.6% | 1 | WIN |
| MIN@NYI | MATHEW BARZAL OVER 0.5 PTS | 56.6% | 6 | WIN |
| PHI@NSH | NSH -122 | 55.7% | 3 | LOSS |
| SJ@SEA | JORDAN EBERLE OVER 0.5 ASSTS | 53.3% | 3 | LOSS |
| CAR@NYR | OVER 5.5 | 53.5% | 3 | LOSS |
| PIT@TOR | OVER 6.5 | 53.5% | 3 | WIN |
| VAN@NSH | OVER 5.5 | 53.9% | 3 | WIN |
| NJ@ANA | ANA +110 | 44.8% | 1 | WIN |
| DET@ANA | DET -100 | 51.5% | 3 | LOSS |
| NYI@CAR | UNDER 6.5 | 54.1% | 4 | LOSS |
| WPG@MIN | WPG -115 | 56.4% | 4 | WIN |
| NYI@BOS | UNDER 6.5 | 55.0% | 3 | LOSS |
| MIN@NYR | OVER 5.5 | 54.2% | 3 | LOSS |
| ANA@CHI | ANA -125 | 56.9% | 3 | LOSS |
| MIN@WAS | WAS -120 | 56.2% | 3 | WIN |
| WPG@PHI | WPG -132 | 56.7% | 3 | WIN |
| NYR@TOR | TOR -133 | 58.6% | 4 | WIN |
| CGY@UTA | OVER 6 | 53.8% | 3 | LOSS |
| OTT@BUF | OTT -108 | 53.1% | 3 | LOSS |
| FLA@DET | AARON EKBLAD OVER 0.5 POINTS | 54.0% | 4 | LOSS |
| LA@MIN | LA -110 | 56.0% | 5 | LOSS |
| STL@VAN | VAN -121 | 54.6% | 4 | LOSS |
| BUF@BOS | BOS -114 | 54.9% | 3 | WIN |
| ANA@SEA | SEA -125 | 54.2% | 3 | WIN |
| ANA@SEA | TROY TERRY OVER 0.5 POINTS | 53.3% | 3 | LOSS |
| BOS@WAS | ALEX OVECHKIN TO SCORE A GOAL | 41.4% | 2 | LOSS |
| FLA@EDM | MATTHEW TKACHUK OVER 0.5 ASSTS | 53.70% | 3 | WIN |
| FLA@EDM | RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS OVER 1.5 SHOTS ON GOAL | 54.50% | 4 | LOSS |
