Anaheim Ducks vs Washington Capitals Prediction & Prop Bets – 1/5/2026

The Anaheim Ducks will travel to face the Washington Capitals on Monday night in a matchup that pits a struggling Ducks team against a Capitals squad looking to take advantage of being home ice. Anaheim has lost its last five games and is struggling for consistency defensively, while Washington is also struggling with three losses in their last four games. Before the puck drops from Washington, continue reading to get my Ducks vs Capitals prediction on the ice.

Our Ducks vs Capitals Pick

Game Snapshot

• Matchup: Anaheim Ducks vs Washington Capitals
• Date & Time: Monday, January 5, 2026, 7:00 PM
• Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
• Broadcast: ESPN+

Key Storylines

Recent Form

Anaheim comes into this contest on a five-game losing streak with defensive weaknesses on display as they surrender goals at one of the highest rates in the league. Despite averaging a solid 3.3 goals per game over the season, they have allowed four or more goals in four straight games. Washington’s form has been inconsistent as well, losing three of their last four games. Washington has a winning record at home this year, but they lost their last game at home via shootout to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Goaltending

Goalies will play a crucial role given Anaheim’s defensive lapses. The Ducks’ Lukas Dostal has struggled this season with a goals-against average of 3.22 and a save percentage below league average, leaving him vulnerable when his defense breaks down. The Capitals’ Logan Thompson is expected to get the start here. Thompson has had a good year with a 2.37 GAA and he will try to clamp down on the Ducks in this matchup.

Key skaters

On offense, Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier has spearheaded production with nearly 40 points on the season and a team-high 19 goals. Washington counters with Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson, though Wilson is listed as day-to-day on the injury report. Both groups of skaters have had problems delivering consistently of late and will need to be at or near their best to get a win in this inter-conference contest.

Best Player Props

Betting Trends & H2H

• The Ducks defeated the Capitals 4-3 at home in their first meeting this season.
• Anaheim is 20-21 on the puckline heading into this contest.
• Washington is 24-18 on the puckline so far this year.

Ducks vs Capitals Model Projection

Final Thoughts

Jay Sanin

Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.