Red Wings vs. Capitals Prediction & Picks - Jan. 29

A pair of clubs at opposite ends of their conference's standings, the Detroit Red Wings (third in the Eastern Conference at 32-17-5) and the Washington Capitals (14th in the Eastern Conference at 25-22-7), square off on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Sign up for ESPN+ today to watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more.

Ahead of watching this matchup, here is our pick for which team will emerge victorious in Thursday's hockey action.

The Capitals have recorded a 3-6-1 record over their last 10 games. They have scored 28 goals while allowing 33 in that period. On the power play, 36 opportunities have resulted in eight goals (22.2% success rate).

Red Wings vs. Capitals Predictions for Thursday

Our computer model for this game calls for a final result of Capitals 4, Red Wings 3.

• Moneyline Pick: Capitals (+110)
• Total Pick: Under 6.5 (computer predicts 6.2 goals on average)
• Spread Pick: Capitals (+1.5)

Watch 1,000+ out-of-market NHL games, ESPN+ Hockey Night & more streaming all season on ESPN+.

Red Wings Splits and Trends

• The Red Wings have gone 10-5-15 in overtime games to contribute to an overall record of 32-17-5.
• In the 20 games Detroit has played that were decided by one goal, it has a 15-2-3 record (good for 33 points).
• In the seven games this season the Red Wings recorded just one goal, they lost every time.
• Detroit has taken 11 points from the 10 games this season when it scored two goals (5-4-1 record).
• The Red Wings are 27-3-4 in the 34 games when they have scored three or more goals (to record 58 points).
• In the 24 games when Detroit has recorded a single power-play goal, it has a 16-6-2 record (34 points).
• In the 28 games when it outshot its opponent, Detroit is 16-9-3 (35 points).
• The Red Wings' opponents have had more shots in 25 games. The Red Wings went 16-7-2 in those contests (34 points).

Capitals Splits and Trends

• The Capitals have a record of 25-22-7 this season and are 3-7-10 in overtime contests.
• In the 15 games Washington has played that were decided by one goal, it racked up 14 points.
• This season the Capitals scored only one goal in seven games and they've earned two points (1-6-0) in those contests.
• Washington has earned eight points (2-6-4 record) this season when scoring two goals .
• The Capitals have scored three or more goals in 33 games, earning 47 points from those contests.
• This season, Washington has recorded a lone power-play goal in 19 games has a record of 10-8-1 in those matchups.
• When it outshoots its opponent this season, Washington has posted a record of 13-9-3 (29 points).
• The Capitals' opponents have had more shots in 24 games. The Capitals finished 10-11-3 in those contests (23 points).

Looking for NHL tickets? Head to StubHub today and see your team live.

Team Stats Comparison

Red Wings vs. Capitals Game Time and TV Channel

• When: Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: ESPN+
• Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
• Where: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan

Sign up for ESPN+ to watch the Red Wings square off against Capitals.