The Washington Capitals (29-10-3-2) will visit the Canadian Tire Centre to face the Ottawa Senators (22-18-2-1) in what promises to be an intriguing Eastern Conference matchup on Thursday evening.

The Capitals, currently leading the Metropolitan Division with the most points in the NHL, enter the contest riding a strong 3-0-2 record in their last five games, powered by Dylan Strome's impressive 46-point season performance.

Ottawa has found their rhythm lately, winning three consecutive games, including a convincing 2-0 shutout against the Islanders, as they sit just one point outside of a wildcard playoff position.

Both teams bring compelling storylines into this contest, with Washington's league-leading offense averaging 3.6 goals per game facing off against an Ottawa defense that has allowed just nine goals in their previous five matches.

The goaltending situation could prove decisive, as Washington's Logan Thompson (2.23 GAA, .921 save percentage) continues his outstanding season, while Ottawa's rookie netminder Levi Merilainen (1.99 GAA, .925 save percentage) has impressed in recent starts.

With the Senators having won two of three meetings against the Capitals last season, this matchup carries additional weight as both teams look to strengthen their respective positions in the Eastern Conference standings.

Ottawa Senators vs. Washington Capitals: who will win?

For tonight's Ottawa Senators vs Washington Capitals matchup, our predictive model gives the Capitals a 59.67% chance of defeating the Senators.

Washington Capitals: 59.67% win probability

  • League-leading defense (Only 113 goals against in 44 games)
  • Strong offensive output (159 goals scored, 3rd best in league)
  • Excellent overall record (29-10, best win percentage in Eastern Conference)

Ottawa Senators: 40.33% win probability

  • Inconsistent scoring (124 goals in 43 games, below league average)
  • Poor recent form (Two consecutive losses in recent form)
  • Lower points total (47 points in 43 games vs Capitals' 63 in 44)

At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.

Ottawa Senators vs. Washington Capitals odds

Ottawa SenatorsWashington Capitals
moneyline-105 (via BetMGM Sportsbook)-110 (via Caesars Sportsbook)

Key stats

  • 1
    The Ottawa Senators have won 22 out of 43 matches this season.
  • 2
    The Washington Capitals have won 29 out of 44 matches this season.
  • 3
    With 47 points, the Ottawa Senators holds the 9th position in the league standings.
  • 4
    Washington Capitals's 63 points place them 1st in the rankings.

Ottawa Senators vs. Washington Capitals form

Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators
Latest matches
W
W
W
L
L
Victories
3/5 (60%)
Defeats
2/5 (40%)
Jan 15, 2025
New York Islanders0:2Ottawa Senators
Jan 12, 2025
Dallas Stars2:3Ottawa Senators
Jan 11, 2025
Pittsburgh Penguins0:5Ottawa Senators
Jan 10, 2025
Buffalo Sabres4:0Ottawa Senators
Jan 8, 2025
Detroit Red Wings3:2Ottawa Senators
Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals
Latest matches
W
W
L
W
L
Victories
3/5 (60%)
Defeats
2/5 (40%)
Jan 15, 2025
Anaheim Ducks0:3Washington Capitals
Jan 12, 2025
Nashville Predators1:4Washington Capitals
Jan 11, 2025
Montreal Canadiens3:2Washington Capitals
Jan 9, 2025
Vancouver Canucks1:2Washington Capitals
Jan 7, 2025
Buffalo Sabres4:3Washington Capitals

Ottawa Senators vs. Washington Capitals head to head

Ottawa Senators

67%

Washington Capitals

33%

Apr 7, 2024

Washington Capitals

2 : 3

Ottawa Senators

Feb 27, 2024

Washington Capitals

6 : 3

Ottawa Senators

Oct 18, 2023

Ottawa Senators

6 : 1

Washington Capitals

Dec 30, 2022

Washington Capitals

3 : 4

Ottawa Senators

Dec 23, 2022

Ottawa Senators

2 : 3

Washington Capitals

Oct 20, 2022

Ottawa Senators

5 : 2

Washington Capitals