Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in goals with 36, but he hasn’t scored in three straight games, tying his season-long dry spell.
My Capitals vs. Avalanche predictions expect MacKinnon to find the back of the net while leading the charge for a Colorado team looking to rebound from a pair of losses.
Let’s dive into my NHL picks for Monday, January 19.
Capitals vs Avalanche prediction
Capitals vs Avalanche best bet: Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal (+100)
Nathan MacKinnon has filled the net at an incredible pace this season, scoring at least one goal in 54% of his appearances, and 57% at home.
He has often led the charge in winning efforts, scoring in 64% of the Colorado Avalanche’s wins. That’s certainly noteworthy as the Avalanche are 19-1-3 at home and more than -200 favorites against the Washington Capitals in this game.
Also working in his favor is rest. The Avalanche have had a couple of days off, and they’ve been borderline unstoppable when that’s the case.
Colorado is 12-1-1 following 2+ days of rest. They've scored 3+ goals in all 14 games and are averaging 4.57 in that span — absurd production.
As you’d expect, MacKinnon has played a huge part in that. MacKinnon has scored in four of the last five games following two off days, potting six goals in that span.
He is the tone-setter for the Avalanche, and he’s undoubtedly licking his chops to get back out there after suffering a pair of losses in a row.
The Capitals haven’t defended all that well of late, either.
They rank 22nd in expected goals against at 5-on-5 and on the kill over the last 10 games. They’ve also played at the 10th-highest pace, which MacKinnon and the Avalanche will certainly welcome at altitude.
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Capitals vs Avalanche same-game parlay
Sam Malinksi is playing a much larger role in the absence of Devon Toews, averaging just over 20 minutes spanning the past five. His numbers reflect the spike in usage, with Malinski producing 3.0 shots on 6.2 attempts per game in that span.
The Avalanche have won by 2+ goals in nine of 12 victories following at least two days off. They’ve only lost multiple games in a row two different stretches this season, and exited both of them with eight-goal performances.
Capitals vs Avalanche SGP
- Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal
- Sam Malinski Over 1.5 shots on goal
- Avalanche -1.5
Capitals vs Avalanche odds
- Moneyline: Washington +175 | Colorado -215
- Puck line: Washington +1.5 (-130) | Colorado -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)
Capitals vs Avalanche trend
The Avalanche have covered the Puck Line in 17 of their last 25 games at home (+10.30 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Capitals vs Avalanche
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT, HBO Max |
Capitals vs Avalanche latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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