The Ottawa Senators (18-15-5) will attempt to stop a three-game losing streak when they square off against the Washington Capitals (21-14-5) at home on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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As hockey play continues, get ready for the matchup by checking out which squad we project to capture the win in Thursday's game.
Over the past 10 contests, the Capitals are 3-5-2 while putting up 27 goals against 35 goals allowed. On 27 power-play opportunities during that span, they have scored four goals (14.8%).
Senators vs. Capitals Predictions for Thursday
Our computer projections model for this encounter expects a final tally of Capitals 4, Senators 3.
- Moneyline Pick: Capitals (+120)
- Total Pick: Over 6 (computer predicts 6.2 goals on average)
- Spread Pick: Capitals (+1.5)
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Senators Splits and Trends
- The Senators (18-15-5 overall) have a 5-5-10 record in games that have gone to overtime.
- Ottawa is 6-7-5 (17 points) in its 18 games decided by one goal.
- In the five games this season the Senators scored just one goal, they lost every time.
- Ottawa has taken six points from the eight games this season when it scored a pair of goals (1-3-4 record).
- The Senators have scored three or more goals in 24 games (17-6-1, 35 points).
- In the 15 games when Ottawa has scored a lone power-play goal, it registered 20 points after finishing 9-4-2.
- In the 22 games when it outshot its opponent, Ottawa is 12-9-1 (25 points).
- The Senators' opponents have had more shots in 14 games. The Senators went 5-5-4 in those contests (14 points).
Capitals Splits and Trends
- The Capitals have a record of 21-14-5 this season and are 2-5-7 in overtime matchups.
- Washington has earned 11 points (5-3-1) in its nine games decided by one goal.
- This season the Capitals registered just one goal in five games and they've earned two points (1-4-0) in those contests.
- Washington has earned seven points (2-2-3 record) this season when scoring two goals .
- The Capitals have scored more than two goals 26 times, earning 38 points from those matchups (18-6-2).
- This season, Washington has recorded a lone power-play goal in 14 games and registered 20 points with a record of 10-4-0.
- When it outshoots its opponent this season, Washington has posted a record of 11-7-2 (24 points).
- The Capitals have been outshot by opponents 16 times this season, and earned 20 points in those games.
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Team Stats Comparison
| Senators Rank | Senators AVG | Capitals AVG | Capitals Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | 3.21 | Goals Scored | 3.25 | 8th |
| 23rd | 3.26 | Goals Allowed | 2.75 | 7th |
| 17th | 28 | Shots | 29.1 | 9th |
| 4th | 25.4 | Shots Allowed | 27.6 | 13th |
| 4th | 25.41% | Power Play % | 15.65% | 29th |
| 32nd | 71.43% | Penalty Kill % | 76% | 27th |
Senators vs. Capitals Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Where: Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario
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