Capitals vs. Sharks Prediction & Picks - Jan. 15

The San Jose Sharks (23-19-3) will aim to prolong a three-game road win streak when they face the Washington Capitals (24-17-6) on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

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Before this matchup, here is who we project to take home the victory in Thursday's hockey contest.

Over the last 10 contests, the Sharks have gone 6-4-0. They have scored 37 goals, while allowing their opponents to score 42. They have gone on the power play 36 times during that span, and have capitalized with 11 goals (30.6% of opportunities).

Capitals vs. Sharks Predictions for Thursday

Our computer model for this encounter expects a final result of Capitals 4, Sharks 2.

  • Moneyline Pick: Capitals (-172)
  • Total Pick: Under 6.5 (computer predicts 6.1 goals on average)
  • Spread Pick: Capitals (-1.5)

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Capitals Splits and Trends

  • The Capitals are 3-6-9 in overtime contests on their way to a 24-17-6 overall record.
  • Washington is 6-5-1 (13 points) in its 12 games decided by one goal.
  • In the six games this season the Capitals recorded only one goal, they've finished 1-5-0 (two points).
  • Washington has finished 2-3-4 in the nine games this season when it scored exactly two goals (registering eight points).
  • The Capitals have scored three or more goals 30 times, and are 21-7-2 in those games (to register 44 points).
  • In the 15 games when Washington has recorded a single power-play goal, it picked up 20 points after finishing 10-5-0.
  • In the 23 games when it outshot its opponent, Washington is 12-8-3 (27 points).
  • The Capitals' opponents have had more shots in 19 games. The Capitals finished 10-7-2 in those contests (22 points).

Sharks Splits and Trends

  • The Sharks have a 23-19-3 record this season and are 11-3-14 in matchups that have needed overtime.
  • San Jose has earned 26 points (12-4-2) in its 18 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
  • This season the Sharks recorded just one goal in six games and they lost every time.
  • San Jose has five points (2-4-1) when scoring two goals this season.
  • The Sharks have scored three or more goals in 29 games, earning 44 points from those contests.
  • This season, San Jose has capitalized on a single power-play goal in 19 games and registered 23 points with a record of 11-7-1.
  • When it outshoots its opponent this season, San Jose has posted a record of 5-6-0 (10 points).
  • The Sharks' opponents have had more shots in 33 games. The Sharks went 17-13-3 in those matchups (37 points).

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Team Stats Comparison

Capitals Rank Capitals AVG Sharks AVG Sharks Rank
8th 3.26 Goals Scored 3.13 14th
6th 2.77 Goals Allowed 3.58 30th
7th 29.3 Shots 25.3 29th
15th 28.1 Shots Allowed 30.9 31st
31st 15.33% Power Play % 20.89% 13th
25th 77.33% Penalty Kill % 77.62% 24th

Capitals vs. Sharks Game Time and TV Channel

  • When: Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: ESPN+
  • Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
  • Where: Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.

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