Jan. 19, 2026, 10:48 a.m. ET

The Washington Capitals (24-19-6) and Colorado Avalanche (33-5-8) meet Monday. Puck drop from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, is set for 4 p.m. ET (HBO Max/TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Capitals vs. Avalanche odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

2024-25 series: Tied 1-1

The Capitals were handed their third loss in 4 games Saturday, falling 5-2 to the Florida Panthers. Washington failed to cash as a -162 home favorite as the Over (6.5) cashed. D Jakob Chychrun scored twice in the second period to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead but the Panthers had the lead 13 minutes later and put it away with 2 more goals. Washington is now 6-10-3 over its last 19 games and heads west for a 6-game road trip.

The Avalanche suffered a second straight loss Friday, falling 7-3 to the Nashville Predators. It marked Colorado’s first regulation loss at home this season. The Avalanche failed to cover as -315 favorites, as the Over (6.5) cashed. C Brock Nelson scored twice, C Martin Nečas added a goal, and G Mackenzie Blackwood allowed 5 goals on 28 shots in his return from a lower-body injury.

Watch the NHL on Fubo!Capitals at Avalanche odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Capitals +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Avalanche -220 (bet $220 to win $100)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Capitals +1.5 (-130) | Avalanche -1.5 (+110)Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Capitals at Avalanche projected goalies

Logan Thompson (17-14-4, 2.38 GAA, .914 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Scott Wedgewood (19-3-4, 2.19 GAA, .917 SV%, 2 SO)

Thompson enters off back-to-back losses, allowing 3 goals in each outing. While his record to open 2026 sits at 2-4, his underlying numbers remain steady, posting a 2.56 GAA and a .912 SV%. He is 1-2-0 in 3 career games against Colorado with a 2.40 GAA and .914 SV%. His most recent meeting came Nov. 21, 2024, when he allowed 2 goals on 27 shots in a 2-1 loss.

Wedgewood is playing for the first time in 11 days after stopping 29 of 31 shots in an 8-2 Avalanche home win against New Jersey on Jan. 8. He is 2-2-0 in four starts this month with a 2.55 GAA and .910 SV%. He has alternated giving up 2 and 3 goals in those games. He is 2-2-3 with a 3.17 GAA and .884 SV% in 7 games against the Caps. But he has not faced the Caps in more than 2 years, most recently getting a shootout win in a game tied 4-4 after 65 minutes on Dec. 7, 2023, saving 23 of 27 shots.

Capitals at Avalanche picks and predictionsPrediction

Avalanche 4, Capitals 2

PASS.

I like Colorado (-220) in a nice bounce back spot on Monday night, but I’ll take my wager to the puck line.

Lay the puck line with the AVALANCHE -1.5 (+110) against the Capitals. Washington enters having lost 3 of its last 4 games and scoring 2 regulation goals or fewer in 4 straight. The Capitals are just 10-9-3 on the road and have dropped 3 of their last 4 away from home, with injuries limiting their offensive depth. Colorado has been dominant at Ball Arena, posting a 19-1-3 home record, and should respond after a lopsided loss to Nashville. While the Avalanche have stumbled recently, allowing 11 goals over their last 2 games, this is a prime bounce-back spot. The altitude, pace and offensive firepower favor Colorado, making a multi-goal home win the preferred play.

LEAN UNDER 6.5 (-110).

The number leans low with the hook in play, and Washington has stayed under the total in 5 of its last 6 games with its offense struggling. Colorado has been split against the total recently, but the Under is 4-2-1 in the last 7 head-to-head meetings.

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