Capitals vs. Blackhawks Prediction, Picks & Best Bets Tonight: Best NHL Bets (Friday, Jan. 9)
I'm breaking down the marquee matchup of Friday's NHL slate in my Capitals vs. Blackhawks prediction, as Connor Bedard makes his return to the ice after missing the last 12 games.
My NHL picks include backing Alex Ovechkin to help this game go Over its 6-goal total. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. ET from the United Center in Chicago (NHL Network), with the Capitals a -128 betting favorite despite the Blackhawks having won four games in a row.
🏒 Capitals vs. Blackhawks predictions
See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.
| Bet | Best odds | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Capitals moneyline | -128 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Over 6 goals | -105 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Player prop: Alex Ovechkin anytime goal | +135 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
💰 Capitals vs. Blackhawks best bet: Over 6 goals (-105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check out all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.
The Capitals have the league's second-best even-strength offense this season, only trailing the juggernaut Avalanche in goals scored at five-on-five.
With Chicago struggling to keep the puck out of its net at five-on-five (sixth worst), this profiles as a spot for Washington to do some damage.
Factor in that the Blackhawks averaged 4.75 goals for during their current four-game winning streak without Bedard, and Over 6 becomes a five-star play for Friday with the star center back.
Score prediction: Capitals 4, Blackhawks 3
🔥 Best Capitals vs. Blackhawks prop bet: Alex Ovechkin anytime goal (+135) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alex Ovechkin has put his late 2025 slump behind him and is being rewarded for his consistent offensive play.
Though Tom Wilson leads the Capitals in goals this season, Ovechkin has the better underlying numbers. He has the higher expected goals total, per MoneyPuck, which more closely matches his actual output compared to Wilson's inflated goals total.
With eight goals over his last 10 games head-to-head versus Chicago, the Russian star scoring is one of my best NHL anytime goal scorer predictions today.
🚀 Best Capitals vs. Blackhawks SGP bets
💵 Capitals vs. Blackhawks same-game parlay
- Capitals moneyline (-128) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Over 6 goals (-105) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Alex Ovechkin anytime goal (+135) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: +717 via FanDuel ($10 to win $71.71)
📈 Capitals vs. Blackhawks betting trends
| Capitals | Statistic | Blackhawks |
|---|---|---|
| 22-16-6 | W-L record | 18-18-7 |
| 24-20 | ATS record | 30-13 |
| 22-22 | O/U record | 18-25 |
| 2-2-1 | Last 5 games | 4-0-1 |
🚑 Capitals vs. Blackhawks injuries
📺 How to watch Capitals vs. Blackhawks
- Date: Friday, Jan. 9
- Puck drop: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: United Center (Chicago)
- TV: NHL Network
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