Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Los Angeles Kings vs the Vegas Golden Knights. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
This is the last day of NHL predictions before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. We’ll have predictions during the Winter Games.
NHL Predictions
Nashville Predators vs Washington Capitals
Head-to-Head: Predators 1-0 Capitals
How to Watch: US TV: Fan Duel Sports South, Monumental Sports Network, ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet+
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with the Nashville Predators going for the season sweep against the Washington Capitals. Justus Annunen is the confirmed starter for Nashville, which is 5-3-2 in its previous 10 games. This includes two consecutive games heading into this final game before the Olympic break. Ryan O’Reilly leads the team in points with 53. However, Filip Forsberg is first on the team in goals with 23.
Logan Thompson is expected to get the start for Washington. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. The Capitals are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, including a loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in their last outing. Washington is hoping to overturn a 3-2 loss to Nashville on January 11. Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin are tied for the team’s lead in goals with 22. However, Wilson has more points than Ovechkin to hold first in that category.
Nashville has been playing well and could be in the mix for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. However, Washington should get the victory in this one.
Prediction: Capitals win 4-2.