Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Prediction

Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Game Analysis | 31-01-2026 | NHL

This regular-season matchup on January 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Capital One Arena, Washington, pits the formidable Carolina Hurricanes (33-15-5) against the Washington Capitals (26-22-7). The Hurricanes arrive as one of the league’s top contenders, while the Capitals are battling to solidify their position in the playoff picture.

Carolina Hurricanes Team Performance

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to demonstrate elite consistency, reflected in their impressive 33-15-5 record. Their strength lies in a robust defensive system, effectively suppressing opposing offenses and transitioning swiftly. Offensively, they possess a balanced attack, capable of generating high-danger chances through relentless forechecking and puck control. While their goaltending depth will be tested with a significant injury, their structured play often limits shots against, easing the burden on their netminders.

Carolina Hurricanes Key Players

Points: Sebastian Aho (52)
Goals: Seth Jarvis (23)
Assists: Sebastian Aho (35)

Injury Report Carolina Hurricanes

Pyotr Kochetkov (Injured reserve): Kochetkov (lower body) will undergo surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the campaign, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes’ official site reports Monday.

Washington Capitals Team Performance

The Washington Capitals, with a 26-22-7 record, are navigating a more challenging season, marked by periods of inconsistency. Their offense often relies on the veteran prowess of their key players, but depth scoring can be a concern. Defensively, they’ve shown flashes of competence but can be susceptible to breakdowns, particularly against high-octane offenses like Carolina’s. Recent injuries to key personnel further complicate their efforts to maintain momentum and secure crucial points.

Washington Capitals Key Players

Points: Alex Ovechkin (46)
Goals: Tom Wilson (22)
Assists: John Carlson (34)

Injury Report Washington Capitals

Charlie Lindgren (Day-to-day): Lindgren sustained an apparent lower-body injury at the end of overtime in Thursday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Red Wings, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports.
Pierre-Luc Dubois (Injured reserve): Per Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post, Dubois (abdominal surgery) has started skating according to head coach Spencer Carbery on Saturday.

Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals

Considering the Hurricanes’ superior form, defensive solidity, and consistent offensive output, they are poised to secure a victory. The Capitals’ challenges with consistency and significant injuries, particularly to their goaltending with Lindgren day-to-day, will be difficult to overcome. We predict the Carolina Hurricanes will win. Given Carolina’s strong defensive play and Washington’s potential struggles to generate consistent offense against a top-tier opponent, combined with a potentially compromised goaltending situation for the Capitals, the total goals will likely be under 6.5.

Last 5 Games: CAR

Form:

WWLWW

VS vs Utah

W 5-4

PTS 33-15-5

GOL Bussi

AST Svechnikov

VS @ Ottawa

W 4-1

PTS 32-15-5

GOL Bussi

AST Bussi

VS vs Chicago

L 4-3 SO

PTS 31-15-5

GOL Andersen

AST Slavin

VS vs Buffalo

W 2-1

PTS 31-15-4

GOL Bussi

AST Jarvis

VS @ New Jersey

W 4-1

PTS 30-15-4

GOL Andersen

AST Svechnikov

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Utah	W 5-4	33-15-5	Bussi	Svechnikov
@ Ottawa	W 4-1	32-15-5	Bussi	Bussi
vs Chicago	L 4-3 SO	31-15-5	Andersen	Slavin
vs Buffalo	W 2-1	31-15-4	Bussi	Jarvis
@ New Jersey	W 4-1	30-15-4	Andersen	Svechnikov

Last 5 Games: WSH

Form:

WLLWL

VS @ Detroit

W 4-3 SO

PTS 26-22-7

GOL Lindgren

AST Chychrun

VS @ Seattle

L 5-1

PTS 25-22-7

GOL Thompson

AST Ovechkin

VS @ Edmonton

L 6-5 OT

PTS 25-21-7

GOL Lindgren

AST McMichael

VS @ Calgary

W 3-1

PTS 25-21-6

GOL Thompson

AST Thompson

VS @ Vancouver

L 4-3

PTS 24-21-6

GOL Thompson

AST Strome

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ Detroit	W 4-3 SO	26-22-7	Lindgren	Chychrun
@ Seattle	L 5-1	25-22-7	Thompson	Ovechkin
@ Edmonton	L 6-5 OT	25-21-7	Lindgren	McMichael
@ Calgary	W 3-1	25-21-6	Thompson	Thompson
@ Vancouver	L 4-3	24-21-6	Thompson	Strome

Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Prediction | NHL 31.01.26